Men's Soccer
- Title:
- Assistant Coach (Goalkeepers)
Two-time NAIA All-America selectionRyan Hopkins is in his fourth season as a member of CalPoly’s coaching staff where he oversees the program’sgoalkeepers and helps in recruiting efforts. Hopkins joined theMustang program prior to the 2009 campaign after serving for fiveseasons as an assistant coach at Concordia University (Irvine,Calif.) and with one of the nation’s premier youth clubs,Irvine Strikers.
With Cal Poly, Hopkins mentoredformer Mustang and current Chivas USA goalkeeper Patrick McLain tothree All-Big West selections. Under the watch of Hopkins, McLainrecorded the two highest save percentage figures in program historyby leading all Big West goalkeepers in 2009 (.830) and 2010 (.835).McLain’s conference-leading 0.92 goals against average in2011 highlighted a history-making fall during which the Mustangsalso set program records for fewest goals conceded (17, in 18games) and fewest goals allowed per game (0.94) and led the BigWest with a 0.90 team goals against average.
In three seasons under Hopkins, Cal Poly’s goalkeeping corpshas registered 21 shutouts, a 1.14 goals against average and a .799save percentage.
"I really just try and give ourgoalkeepers the confidence in themselves to go out and besuccessful," Hopkins said. "I believe that every training sessionis a chance for our goalkeepers to get better and I work very hardto ensure that is what is happening."
Hopkins has also made his mark onthe recruiting trail. Cal Poly has featured a top-40 recruitingclass during each of his three seasons, pulling the No. 33 classfor 2009, the No. 38 class in 2010 and the No. 27 class in 2011 (asgraded by CollegeSoccerNews.com).
"Coach Hopkins has a keen eye fortalent and is one of the best recruiters on the west coast,"seventh-year Cal Poly head coach Paul Holocher said. "He isextremely thorough in his player evaluations and in making sure nostone is left unturned in our search for talent."
"I look for players that are, firstand foremost, comfortable on the ball and technically proficientwith their passing. The Cal Poly style of play dictates that ourplayers can pass and move at a high rate, so being a good passer isa must for us," Hopkins said. "I also love players that areextremely competitive in everything they do. I feel that everythingin life is a competition and I want our players to echo thissentiment. Being a student of the game is the final component Ilook for. I want my players to understand the nuisances of the gameand have great passion for watching and studying it."
While serving as the lead assistantcoach at Concordia (2004-08), Hopkins helped transform the Eaglesinto an NAIA powerhouse. Concordia advanced to the NAIA NationalChampionship tournament for three-straight seasons during his timewith the Eagles, finishing as runners-up in 2007 after falling inthe title match against top-seeded Azusa Pacific, 2-0. Concordiaspent five weeks atop the NAIA national rankings in 2007 aftercapturing Golden State Athletic Conference titles in 2005 and 2006.At Concordia, Hopkins coached 10 NAIA All-America selections, eightNAIA All-Far West Region picks and 20 All-GSAC players. WithHopkins, the Eagles were also ranked among the NAIA’s top 25teams for a 33-week period.
Hopkins has also served as coachand as the college coordinator for Irvine Strikers, one of 78 clubsin the United States Soccer Federation’s Development Academy.With Hopkins, Irvine Strikers was ranked among the top-20 clubsnationally by several media publications.
A four-year starter in goal forConcordia (2000-04), Hopkins helped lead the program to its firstappearance in the NAIA National Championship tournament in 2003.Hopkins departed Concordia as the program’s career leader invictories, ranked second in goals-against average and shutouts andfourth in saves. In 2010, Hopkins was inducted into the ConcordiaAthletics Hall of Fame.
"Playing college soccer for fouryears was one of the most amazing experiences of my life," Hopkinsadded. "It really has shaped a big part of who I am as a person andhas been a catalyst for my success."
Hopkins graduated from Concordia in 2004 with a bachelor’sdegree in political science and obtained a master’s degree inathletic administration in 2008. Hopkins also holds a USSF Alicense and a USSF National Goalkeeping License. Hopkins is singleand lives in San Luis Obispo. In his free time he enjoys golfing,kayaking, reading and supporting his beloved Manchester United.
