The DHS Varsity Girls Soccer Team finished undefeated in their season as Old Colony League champions.  They then proceeded to win two games at States, but lost 4-3 to Norwood in the third round.

This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the defense, which played a big role in their several shutouts.  This year’s sweeper, senior Lauren Hopp, was a crucial asset to the team’s success.

“Lauren is one of the most complete soccer players that I have had the pleasure to coach in the 21 years of the DHS Girls Soccer program,” said DHS science chair and varsity girls soccer coach Mark Poirier. 

“Lauren gives the other defenders confidence because they know that she is there to back them up if they make a mistake or get beat by their opponent,” said Mr. Poirier.  “She willingly moved back to the sweeper position and has solidified our defense with her smart, aggressive play,” he said. 

“Lauren Hopp is incredible. One of the top 10 all-round female athletes we have seen in the last 15 years,” said Mr. Boudria.

According to some of her teammates, she’s even scored a goal from her defensive sweeper position during a game. 

Hopp is captain of three sports at DHS: soccer, basketball, and tennis.  “It’s always fun to play on a team and work for the same goal,” she said.

Being a tri-captain requires a large amount of leadership and discipline.  “Lauren Hopp is a true leader, with both kindness and determination,” said Mr. Boudria.

“The best compliment that you can give any captain is to say that she ‘leads by example.’  That is certainly true in Lauren’s case,” said Mr. Poirier.  “Lauren is a role model for how you prepare and compete in the athletic arena.”  

Hopp possesses all the qualities that a recruiter for college soccer would be looking for, yet she has no interest in continuing soccer after graduation.  “She either wants to go into physical therapy or criminal justice,” said senior teammate Tori Sousa.

Most of her teammates agree that Hopp could definitely excel in college soccer.  “I think that she could play soccer in college. If she had the right coaching, she could be really good,” said sophomore teammate Molly Brown.

When asked why she didn’t want to pursue college soccer, Hopp said, “I want to focus on my future more, and focus on my academics, because I know the course loads for the majors I’m interested in are pretty in-depth.” 

For Hopp, soccer is just a high school commitment that she plays for the love of the game.  “I love playing sports,” said Hopp. “It takes my mind off things.”