These seniors might have contrasting styles, but both strive to win and be the best.
#9 Lexi Kopf, like her twin sister, comes from Sonora, Calif. Kopf is a Biology major with a minor in Psychology and Social Behavior. She has been honored as a three-time UC Irvine Scholar Athlete, named to the Deans Honor List, and the Big West All-Academic team in 2009. She has really come on on the soccer field in the last couple years. She has totalled 16 goals in her career and five assists. Five of her six game-winning goals have come this season. She has also been named Big West Offensive Player of the Week, to the TopDrawerSoccer.com College Team of the Week, and became the first Anteater to be named an NSCAA Player of the Week after she recorded both game-winners in the season-opening tournament wins against Texas-San Antonio and No. 11 Texas A&M. As a junior, she was named All-Big West Honorable Mention. Kopf plans on attending medical school upon graduation. She has volunteered at CHOC for the past three years and wants to become a surgeon.
"Explosive athlete, relentless competitor, and high achieving student. She has got better each year and is showing this season that she is a fearsome player of the highest level. We are very proud of the way she has improved and having been in the shadow of all-American Tanya Taylor last season she has embraced the limelight this season. So many people are inspired by the way she plays, it is truly all-in for her all of the time. If Dr. Kopf ever comes to speak to you about your upcoming surgery, you are in good hands!" - Head Coach Scott Juniper.
#23 CoCo Goodson, originaly from Ramona, California, transferred from the University of Texas. She broke onto the scene as a junior with nine goals and five game-winners. She has collected numerous honors such as being named a CollegeSoccer360.com Primetime Performer, a TopDrawerSoccer.com National Team of the Week member, and Big West Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week. Her role in the team's postseason run earned her Big West Defender of the Year, NSCAA All-West Region First Team, Soccer America MVP Second Team, and All-American honors in 2010. Before her senior season, she was listed as a Preseason All-American for Soccer America, and became the first Anteater and Big West athlete to be named to the MAC Herrman Trophy Watch List, college soccer's equivalent to the Heisman Trophy. Altogether, the 2011 captain has compiled 12 goals and three assists. As a Sociology major and Education minor, Goodson wants to continue playing after college and eventually become a teacher.
"CoCo is an outstanding young woman. My only regret is that I have only had the privilege of coaching her for two years and not all four. The stats and the accolades only paint half the picture of CoCo. She is as tough a competitor on the field with her opponents as she is gentle and kind with the young soccer players who come to our games. She has grown into her role as a captain on our team and is without doubt one of the most talented central defenders in the country." - Head Coach Scott Juniper.
