South Dakota State soccer signs Hawaiian native Shelby Hopeau

The South Dakota State women’s soccer team fortified its roster ahead of the 2023 season as the Jackrabbits announced that Shelby Hopeau will be joining the program ahead of the fall semester. 
 
Hopeau spent her first year in college during 2022-23 attending MSU Denver as a member of the Division II Roadrunners’ squad.
 
“Shelby is a great addition to our team for the fall,” South Dakota State head coach Brock Thompson said. “As someone that can play deep in midfield or even as a defender or wide player, her addition gives our team great flexibility. Her role with Minnesota Aurora last summer as an 18-year-old proves she can play at a high level. We’re excited she’s chosen SDSU as the place to finish her college career.”
 
A native of Kapolei, Hawaii, Hopeau played a summer ago for Minnesota Aurora FC and was a contributor to the USL W League club that advanced to the league finals in 2022. She made history by scoring the franchise’s first goal on May 26 against Green Bay Glory. Hopeau tallied a second goal during the summer as she eventually played in 10 of Aurora FC’s 15 matches while competing nearly 40 minutes per appearances. 
 
Hopeau played for the Hawaii Rush club team through her prep career. She helped lead Kapolei High School to a state tournament showing and was a four-year letter winner. Hopeau earned All-Star Athlete honors in 2022 and was named Kapolei High’s Hurricane of the Year for the 2021-22 year, an award given to the standout student-athlete in the school who had success in competition and in the classroom. 
 
The incoming midfielder will be a freshman in eligibility after spending 2022-23 as a redshirt at MSU Denver.