Heidelberg Athletics Hall of Fame
Heidelberg's small campus, friendly atmosphere and opportunity to play three sports gained the attention of Shannan Bowen Sopko.
She started Heidelberg as a volleyball player in the fall of 1991. Sopko led the team with an average of 4.67 assists per game, placing her eighth in the OAC. She currently holds fifth place overall in team history for average blocks per game with 1.39. By winter Sopko had moved onto basketball and started at guard in just her first season.
In the spring of 1992, she began what would become one of the most successful women's tennis careers in Heidelberg history. As a freshman, she started in the first singles position and also teamed up with Karey Kibler at first doubles. That year Sopko placed second at both first singles and first doubles at the OAC Tournament and was named team MVP.
During her sophomore year in 1992 Sopko focused solely on tennis. It turned out to be a good choice as she placed second in the OAC at first singles for the Berg. She qualified for the OAC tournament again at first doubles along with partner Kumi Nagai, but lost to the eventual runners-up from Baldwin-Wallace in the semi-finals.
In her junior year, Sopko, also team captain, went onto place second in the OAC at first singles for the third year in a row and was named team MVP.
In her final season on the tennis courts, Sopko finished second at first singles in the OAC Tournament, along with being tabbed Heidelberg's MVP for the third time and was selected to the All-OAC and Academic All-OAC First Team.
After finishing her college years with a career record of 43-12 (37-7 OAC) and earning a bachelor's degree in sports medicine and health and physical education, Sopko became a certified athletic trainer in 1997. Sopko was married in 2002 and currently is a stay-at-home mother for her two young girls, Jacqueline and Kailee.
(This profile appeared in the Hall of Fame Banquet program.)
