Julie Hoppe retires from Hoover High tennis

Since 2004, Julie Hoppe has been a staple among the coaching ranks at Hoover High.

After guiding the school’s softball team for five seasons, Hoppe dedicated her time to handling the boys’ and girls’ tennis coaching positions.

Following nearly a decade of coaching both tennis teams, Hoppe recently stepped down citing family reasons.

“I think it’s just best at this point in my life to be able to spend more time with my family,” said Hoppe, a teacher at Toll Middle School. “There’s a huge time commitment and a lot of hours along the way that are needed to coach.

“I took a leave of absence during the boys’ tennis season this year and I just think it’s better that I’m with my family. I have a lot of great memories of being able to work with a lot of great kids and I have nothing but respect for the school’s administration.”

Hoppe first began her coaching run at Hoover when she took over the softball team from Kirt Kohlmeier in 2004. She coached the Tornadoes from 2004-08 before passing the torch to Rich Henning.

Hoppe coached the girls’ tennis team from 2005-14 and the boys’ team from 2006-14. She didn’t coach the boys’ squad this season and handed the coaching responsibilities to Andre Ratavousian.

Hoover’s girls’ team went 9-8 and fell to Santa Ana Calvary Chapel, 11-7, in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division II playoffs last season. The Tornadoes finished fourth in the Pacific League to grab the final automatic playoff berth.

Hoppe, who was named the 2011 All-Area Boys’ Tennis Coach of the Year, said she was honored to coach the three teams.

“It’s a privilege to be able to coach and I was lucky to have coached a lot of great players,” Hoppe said. “It’s special when you get to work with different kids; it’s just like another family.

“You get into coaching to teach and see the kids grow up. That’s probably the most gratifying thing about coaching.”

Hoover athletic director Jack Van Patten said he was aware that Hoppe might resign the coaching chores.

“Her family is her first obligation and she’s been very good for sports here at Hoover,” said Van Patten, who added it wasn’t clear who would take over the tennis positions. “We’re lucky to have had her for three different teams and she’s a real tennis person who loves the game so much.

“I know the kids looked up to her. It’s hard to find people like that who care. Julie did everything she could to make the players better on and off the court.”

Hoppe became the second coach at Hoover to step down recently. Brian Esquival announced his resignation Monday after coaching the baseball team for the past three seasons. He cited family reasons, as well.