Located in: Sports
Posted on: March 17th, 2014 No Comments

Kopchik takes unique career path


Keri Kopchik seems like the typical collegiate athlete, but her journey to becoming an attacker for the CMU women’s lacrosse team is slightly different than the average collegiate competitor’s.

Most athletes begin playing their sport at a young age, but Kopchik didn’t pick up a lacrosse stick until eighth grade.

Aside from being a student athlete, which is time consuming in and of itself, Kopchik also works two jobs. She can be seen working at the rec center or at Community Hospital, where she schedules outpatient appointments.

After being born in Albany, N.Y., Kopchik and her family moved to Littleton so they could be closer to family. Growing up, she played volleyball, participated in gymnastics and started playing lacrosse in junior high. With only one year of lacrosse under her belt, Kopchik moved on to high school and was a starter for the varsity squad all four years.

While playing her regular high school seasons of lacrosse, she also played for high-profile club teams in the off-season, including Colorado Elite and Team Colorado. While playing club, Kopchik experienced her favorite memory when her team had the chance to play against the Northwestern women’s lacrosse team.

“It was just such a cool experience to play Division I players and have their coach on our sidelines for a couple of our tournament games,” Kopchik said.

Kopchik had many offers from schools out in New York and one in Chicago but ultimately decided on CMU because it was close to home, but not too close. She has played all three years at CMU and has never missed a game. Kopchik will graduate next May with a degree in Health and Promotions.

The team coasted into Saturday’s game against Regis University after winning its first game of the season at Adams State, but lost 18-10. Lauren Wells started in goal for the Mavs but was replaced by Jillian Pfiefer after 18 minutes. CMU’s Haley Kroll and Olivia Porcaro each scored three goals. The Mavericks will host Rockhurst University on March 18.

miawilso@mavs.coloradomesa.edu

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