The Virginia women’s soccer team has opened the season white hot, undefeated through its first six matches. Across these appearances, the Cavaliers have outscored their opponents 22-1, an impressive stat line for so early in the year. Though the team’s success is a product of numerous stars on the roster, like Alexa Spaanstra, Rebecca Jarrett, and Lia Godfrey, one woman has shined especially bright in the early hours of this season: Haley Hopkins.

Though she is now a vocal, and statistical, leader for Virginia, Hopkins did not begin her career in the orange and blue. In fact, she didn’t even begin in the ACC. As a freshman, the 5’10” forward launched her collegiate career at Vanderbilt University.

Upon arriving at Vandy, Hopkins was quick to make a name for herself. In her freshman year, she was named the 2018 SEC Freshman of the Year, along with earning spots on the SEC All-Freshman Team and the Top Drawer Soccer Best XI Freshman First Team as well as recognition as a third team All American.

Following her electrifying freshman year, Hopkins didn’t slow down. In her next two seasons with the Commodores, she earned numerous other accolades, including All-SEC selections (2019- Second Team; 2020- First Team), All American selections (2020), and spots on the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List in both 2019 and 2020.

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