WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - A true jack of all trades, senior Kristen Hoppman has filled whatever role needed in her three years as a Boilermaker. She's played in 158 games, starting 150 across the infield and outfield, while posting a .287 average, scoring 55 runs and adding 33 steals. She's seen time at shortstop (56 games), right fielder (44), second base (30), center field (12) third base (3), catcher (3), left field (1) and designated player (1), all while boosting her offensive output each year.
Now, as a senior, she has settled back into the infield and looks to have her best season yet, even topping her junior campaign with a .313 average, four home runs, five triples and a team-best 28 steals.
"Hoppy is solid on both sides of the game," head coach Boo De Oliveira said. "She has power, as well as a great feel for the short game. She has stepped up to help groom the younger players and establish our team culture. She has developed a high game IQ and it will be fun to see her help lead the team."
On the field, the Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, native says the best feeling is tagging a runner down at second from a perfect throw from the catcher on a steal attempt. That link to her fellow fielders is also one of her favorite things about playing shortstop -- having a strong connection with her second baseman. She says it is awesome to work together on and off the field, gaining trust and the connection to be able to read each other's mind when on the field.
In her final year, the tough, balanced and committed player with the aggressive (yet stable) game is excited to play the University of Hawai'i in Hawaii on spring break. She loves playing at home at Bittinger Stadium and walking from the hitting facility to the field with the music blaring and knowing she gets to put her cleats on and play soon. She says it gives her goosebumps and immediate swag.
Excelling on and off the field, Hoppman is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree who dreams of owning her own makeup business.
She says everyone in her life has impacted and shaped her into who she is now. Each person she keeps close has given a little piece to mold her. Just a few of those people she looks up to are: "My mom knows everything and inspires me to always be a better person. Ellen DeGeneres is always having fun and doing good things for others and Jaclyn Hill does amazing makeup and also makes other feel beautiful even in their own skin and body."
With role models like those and skills in the classroom and on the field, big things are ahead for Kristen Hoppman in life.
Get to know the senior a little more with these fun facts and a few of her favorite things.
Fun Facts
Sweet or salty: salty
Chocolate or vanilla: chocolate
Dogs or cats: Dogs!
Cooking or eating: Eating
Vacation: To the quiet country or to the big city:Somewhere with unique outdoor adventures
Coolest place I've ever been/or most unique locale: My family's Montana trip: Badlands, Mount Rushmore, mountains...
Place I dream of visiting someday: Australia or Alaska
Person I look up to most & why: I have many role models for different parts of my life. My mom knows everything and inspires me to always be a better person. Ellen DeGeneres is always having fun and doing good things for others. Jaclyn Hill does amazing makeup and also makes others feel beautiful even in their own skin and body
Best feeling in the field (defensively): Tagging a runner down at second from a perfect throw from the catcher.
Best Feeling at the plate (offensively): Hitting a walk-off dinger
Favorite thing about my position: Having a strong connection with my second baseman. It is awesome to work together on and off the field, gaining trust and the connection to be able to read each other's minds on the field.
Three words that describe me: Tough, Balanced, Committed
One word to describe my game: Aggressive
Team I am most excited to play in 2017: University of Hawai'i in Hawaii
My most memorable sports moment: Sweeping Wisconsin my sophomore year
Celebrity crush: Matthew McConaughey
Celebrity who would play me in a story of my life: Mila Kunis
Person I would like to have dinner with: Ellen DeGeneres
Best non-athletic talent: doing makeup
My stupid human trick is: Burping on command
Dream job: Owning my own makeup business
Song I have to listen to before a game: Hells Bells by ACDC
Favorite thing about playing at Boilermaker Softball Stadium (now Bittinger Stadium): Walking from the hitting facility to the field with the music blaring and knowing how I get to put my cleats on and play soon. It gives you goosebumps and immediate swag.
My favorite place to play in the Big Ten, besides home: Absolutely nowhere.
Place I am most excited to play in 2017 Hawaii
Person who has impacted my life/made me who I am: Everyone in my life has impacted and shaped me into who I am now. Each person I keep close has given me a little piece to mold me.
Favorite things
Favorite sweet treat: Skotcharoos
Favorite ice cream flavor: Mint chocolate chip
Favorite holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite sport besides softball: Hockey
Favorite sports team: Packers
Favorite Athlete: JJ Watt
Favorite TV show: Grey's Anatomy or Friends
Favorite Movie:Miracle
Favorite Book: So Be It
Favorite Musical Artist: Chris Stapleton
Favorite type of pizza: Pepperoni and banana peppers
Favorite Actor & Actress: Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler
Favorite Food: Seafood
Favorite place on campus: The engineering fountain in the fall
Favorite city: Madison, Wisconsin
Favorite outdoor activity: Fishing
Favorite animal/furry friend: doggies!
Favorite class at Purdue: Personal Financing. It's the most usable class I have taken.
Favorite Purdue professor: Professor Rowe