First time’s the charm
for Caroline Hopkins

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

It was a memorable day for Caroline Hopkins.
After finishing her first day of high school at Cardinal Dougherty on Sept. 5, Hopkins made her soccer debut with the Cardinals. She quickly scored her first high school goal, helping Dougherty defeat Kennedy Kendrick, 7-0, in their season opener.
"I’m so excited," a glowing Hopkins said after the game. "I was hoping to score today. And it’s exactly what I was expecting it to be."
Shortly into the first half of the game, Hopkins scored and the crowd immediately buzzed with the excitement of the occasion.
"My family and friends were here to see it too, which was great," said Hopkins that afternoon. "This has been a really great day."
The good times turned somewhat sour two days later, on Sept. 7, when the Cardinals were whipped by Archbishop Ryan, 8-0. Dougherty later lost 2-0 to St. Hubert on Sept. 10.
"For a freshman, Caroline is a very strong player," said coach Theresa Martin. "She knows the game and she always plays hard. She has a lot of potential."
Hopkins may be new to the high-school soccer scene, but she has plenty of experience with competitive play. The 14-year-old athlete started playing travel soccer at age 10, when she teamed up with the Fox Chase soccer organization.
"I’ve been playing soccer as long as I can remember," she said. "It gave me an opportunity to really learn the game and the different positions.
"I usually play all around," she added. "I play sweeper, fullback and forward. I think playing offense and defense gives me an advantage because I can do whatever they need me to."
After graduating from St. Hilary Elementary School last Spring, Hopkins was eager to move on to her lifelong dream of playing soccer at Cardinal Dougherty.
"My whole family went to Dougherty and I’ve always loved it, ever since my sisters came here," said Hopkins. "It’s a big adjustment going from grade school to Dougherty, especially because St. Hilary’s was so small. But today was my first day at school and I really liked it."
Caroline is one of seven girls in the Hopkins family. She has three older sisters — including one who’s a teammate.
"I really enjoy playing with my sister," Hopkins said of Rachel, a senior who plays halfback for the Cardinals. "It’s the first time we’ve ever played on the same team, so it’s really exciting.
"I get a lot of help from my sister and my whole family," she continued. "Plus the older girls on the team are extremely helpful as well."
In addition to her soccer skills, Hopkins plans to show her stuff on the softball field and basketball court this year.
"I’m planning on playing all of them for Dougherty," said Hopkins. "I did three sports plus school in grade school, so I’m used to having a busy schedule.
For some, tackling three sports and adjusting to a new school could be overwhelming. But for Hopkins, those first days at Dougherty gave her a good feeling.
"The soccer team tortures you like any other freshman, but they’re very nice about it," Hopkins said, laughing. "The team is great. School is great. Everyone really welcomed me in. I love playing soccer with the girls here. We have a lot of fun." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com