ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

ANTOINE HOPPENOT ’08

Despite his overwhelming skill, Antoine Hoppenot ’08 never set out to become a professional soccer player.

“I have always been passionate about soccer, but it wasn’t until I reached college did I truly feel like it was something I could pursue as a career,” he shared.

Hoppenot’s emphasis on the importance of following one’s passion is central to his success as a professional athlete.

“I had the opportunity to play the sports I loved at PDS,” said Hoppenot, referring to his four years spent on the varsity soccer, basketball and lacrosse teams. “In fact, I think it was because I was free to do so that I ended up the soccer player I am today.”

It was also the mentorship and encouragement he received from his then-basketball coach Paris McLean ’00 that inspired him both on and off the field.

“More than just basketball or even sports, he taught me by his every day actions what it meant to be a good person,” reflected Hoppenot. “I carry that with me.”

Born in Paris, France, Hoppenot moved with his family to the Philadelphia area when he was a toddler. When his parents decided to move to Princeton in the year 2000, they put all three of their children through Princeton Day School’s (PDS) Upper School.

“My sister was the first to go to PDS,” Hoppenot shared. “It opened up a pathway for my brother and me to attend once we were entering high school.”

During his time at PDS, he gravitated towards the soccer field. Hoppenot had a season career high of 23 goals in 2007 and earned the Bill Smoyer ’60 Varsity Award during his junior and senior years. After PDS, he spent four years as a member of Princeton University men’s soccer team, tallying 26 goals and 15 assists. Hoppenot also amassed a plethora of titles including Ivy League Player of the Year and First-Team All-Ivy for three consecutive years.

Immediately following Princeton, Hoppenot spent four years playing for the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer. From there, he said, “It’s been a 12-year journey across the United States.”

Hoppenot’s trek included professional soccer clubs throughout six cities in eight years: Cincinnati, Ohio; Reno, Nev.; Tampa, Fla.; Louisville, Ky.; and Detroit, Mich. In 2022, he signed with Hartford Athletic of the United Soccer League (USL).

According to the USL, Hoppenot recorded 38 goals and 44 assists in 201 appearances in the past nine seasons, making him one of only seven players to have recorded both 30 goals and 30 assists in the league’s history. His 44 regular season assists all-time put him fifth overall on the all-time USL Championship leaderboard.

Hoppenot, while grateful to have been given so many opportunities to live in the moment, he also acknowledges the challenges that come with his lifestyle.

“It’s partially a dream job and, at the same time, an extremely stressful experience,” he shared. “Every day, I need to be at my best or I risk career longevity. And I am moving and putting down roots in a new place almost yearly — it can be tough.”

Frequent moves and fears of career longevity are inevitable pitfalls of the professional sports world. To overcome the unknown, Hoppenot relies on his philosophy of always remaining open-minded to passionate pursuits, a philosophy he shares with the PDS student-athletes of today.

“Focus your energy on things you are passionate about,” Hoppenot said, “And let that passion guide your career. It’s what I will do once my soccer career ultimately comes to an end.”