Softball: Hoppe signs with College of Idaho

Douglas senior Lauren Hoppe went ahead and took care of two major events in one weekend.

She gave her verbal commitment to play softball at the College of Idaho Thursday and graduated from Douglas High School the next day.

The four-time All-Sierra League first-teamer made it official Monday, signing her letter of intent.

"It was just a good fit for me," Hoppe said. "The campus is small and it is just a good family atmosphere. Everyone knows each other and everyone is friends. It was just really nice. I liked it a lot."

Hoppe, who started in the outfield for the Lady Tiger softball team, will join a Coyote team that is coming off an appearance in the NAIA Women's World Series.

"They're coming off a really successful season, so hopefully I can step in and help out in some way," she said.

College of Idaho, which was known better as Albertson College of Idaho before the school changed its name this past school year, has five returning outfielders on its roster. Three of those are going to be underclassmen next year.

Hoppe wrapped up her career at Douglas with 18 home runs over her four seasons.

As a senior, she drove in 40 RBIs with 10 doubles and four home runs.

She saw some initial interest from Division I schools, including San Jose State, but quickly decided to pare the list down to smaller schools.

Southern Oregon and the University of Maine were on her short list.

"I just really liked how I fit in with the team when I was at College of Idaho," she said.

"I got to stay with one of the players and I talked a lot with the coach. I'm looking forward to it."

Hoppe will spend the summer playing tournament ball with the Cal Breeze and then report to campus on Aug. 30.

"I'm just going to keep training and working out and trying to get better so I can be ready for the next level," Hoppe said.