DISTRICT NEWS & PR |
Popov ready for college life
November 19, 2007
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Jason Sibert
Collinsville Herald
November 14, 2007 |
For Collinsville senior Lauren Popov, Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis offered a full package.
"They have great academic programs, outstanding professors and an up-and-coming softball program," Popov said.
IUPUI is a Division I school and Popov, a pitcher, hopes to make an impact in her first season."I'm expecting to get experience pitching and to help the team do what it needs to do," she said.
Naturally, she knows she'll have to make adjustments in making the transition from high school to college.
"It will be more competitive," Popov said. "And it will be more fast paced. I'll be going up against girls who are more experienced."
In three seasons with the Collinsville Kahoks, Popov racked up an impressive list of accomplishments. She started earning varsity playing time as a freshman and lead Collinsville to regional championships in 2006 and 2007. In addition, the pitcher also earned all-Southwestern Conference honors three times.
"Once you win your first regional, you want more," she said. "This year, we want to go further than we have in the past."
Collinsville finished last year with a 17-11 mark. Last season continued Collinsville's string of success, as the Kahoks have put together four straight winning seasons.
Popov started dreaming of playing college softball at the age of 10 when playing in a recreational league, the Collinsville Baseball and Softball League.
"I watched college softball on TV," she said. "I just wanted to do what they are doing."
Popov started playing select softball with the Collinsville Extreme at 13 and continued to play with the organization throughout her high school career. Popov said she wants to use the upcoming season as a preparation for her college career.
"I want to go as far as I can in high school," she said. "I want to improve and be at the top of my game when I go to college."
Popov credits former Kahok softball coach and Collinsville Extreme co-president Pete Hoffman and Extreme coach and co-president Brett Swip.
"Coach (Pete) Hoffman is one of the most important people in my life," she said. "He helped me get better both mentally and physically. Coach (Brett) Swip, I've played for him three summers, and he's really helped me get ready for college."
Pictured:
Front row: Parents Charlotte and Mark Popov (seated on either side of Lauren).
Back row: CHS Principal Eric Flohr, Softball Coach Cindy Kolda, Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Matt Badgley and Assistant Principal Bruce Dye.
In the back row,
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