Sports
The Leader from Louisville: Meela Kopp Shines in Many Ways for Ohio Field Hockey
By: Darayus Sethna
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Hard working. Dedicated. Passionate.
Just a few words to describe graduate student Meela Kopp of the Ohio University Field Hockey team. When she is not suited up for the green and white, she is pursuing her master’s degree in business analytics.
Kopp arrived in Athens in the fall of 2020 – at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She started in just 11 games that season.
“Honestly, I was very shocked.” Kopp said about her first player of the week recognition. “I do think it was reflective of our entire team defense.”
The 22-year-old has proved to be one of the key cogs for Ohio’s defensive line. However, there is more to her story – especially during this season.
Kopp is one of just two graduate students (along with goalkeeper Macy Lotze) on the team. For the remaining 21 players on the roster, there are a combined 12 underclassmen. Some of the younger players come from oversees – including countries like Germany, Belgium, England, and South Africa.
A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Kopp uses her unique circumstances to unify her teammates and ensure that they can all call Athens home.
“I think it’s about developing those one-on-one relationships with the freshman, with the newcomers, and even more with the returners,” Kopp explained. “With the freshman, [I] just have to realize they’re nervous [and] they’re scared. This is a whole new environment for them … [I’m] just making sure [I’m] creating a positive, supportive environment that they’re going to be able to flourish in.”
Kopp’s efforts have certainly not gone unnoticed. Head Coach Ali Johnstone would be the last one to forget about the impact the defender has made on her program.
“She’s so systematic about her goal-setting and her vision,” Johnstone stated. “She’ll come in and watch video. She’ll pull to [the] side as a coach. Half the time [I’m] not sure what the athletes are thinking or what they need. And she’s really good at expressing that.”
The seventh-year head coach has yet to win a Mid-American Conference (MAC) title with Ohio. But both she and Kopp believe that a trophy is just one chapter to a greater story.
“When I came into the program, it was just a tough year and culturally, we were going through a lot,” Kopp said. “I think winning a MAC tournament would show how much my class has turned this program around.”
Johnstone believes that Kopp embodies the aura of the field hockey program.
The Bobcats return to Athens after securing a 2-1 road win over Longwood on Sunday. They sit with a 4-5 overall record.
One aspect of the team Kopp credits for their ability to win so far during the young season is their ability to rally as one.
“I think this year we have a team that truly loves one another,” Kopp exclaimed. “I think as the season goes on, it will be more apparent on the field. But the team chemistry has just been a huge factor in our success early on this season.”
Ohio takes on James Madison in another conference showdown at Pruitt Field on Friday.