Paula-Kopp

 

 

Elected : USSSA New York Hall Of Fame in 2019
Inducted : October 2021, Syracuse, NY

Paula has been an athlete and competitor since a young age. She started her participation in organized sports by being the first girl to ever play Camillus Optimist baseball. She continued with athletics throughout her high school years and into her adult life, playing soccer, basketball and softball (both fast-pitch and slow-pitch) competitively.  

Paula’s athleticism enabled her to play multiple positions while she participated on teams in the Women’s A Classic League, on Co-Ed teams, and in multiple tournaments. She was at home playing shortstop or fielding balls at the “hot corner”.  As the needs of her team changed, Paula   stepped up to the challenge and finished her softball career as a pitcher - often wondering if she would make it out of the game with all of her teeth!

Paula’s participation in organized sports developed her leadership skills and taught her the importance of teamwork. These skills led to her career in education-something she wanted to do from a very young age. She attended Springfield College and upon graduation became a physical education teacher and coach; eventually going into administration. Some of the most important life lessons she learned were on the court and on the field. Today, these lessons assist her in working with colleagues, students and young athletes. 

Paula is grateful for the wonderful athletic experiences she’s had, the teammates she shared the field with, and the friendships she made along the way.