Vermont Academy Basketball Coach Jesse Bopp Moves To VCU

SAXTONS RIVER, Vt. - May 30, 2013 - PRLog -- "While we are sad to lose such an outstanding coach," says Sean Brennan, Head of School, "I knew it was only a matter of time before Jesse would make the jump to the college level."


After putting Vermont Academy on the map in NEPSAC - AA Basketball in 2010, Coach Jesse Bopp has made three runs to post -season play. His high intensity, up tempo style has developed a great deal of talent in only three years' time.  Graduates from the last three years are playing at Montana, Minnesota, Manhattan, UCDavis, LeMoyne, Wesleyan, UVM, Trinity, and Skidmore.

"I am grateful for the opportunity Sean Brennan awarded me three years ago to come to a place where you have the chance to work with such special kids and colleagues," says Jesse Bopp, "Vermont Academy is, and will continue to be, a very special place to me. I would like to thank the players that have been a part of our basketball program for their efforts, commitment and dedication. The chance to return to VCU and work for someone who I consider a mentor is something for which I am truly appreciative. What Shaka Smart has done at VCU is unprecedented, and I am eager and humbled to begin working for him, his staff, the players and all those involved with VCU basketball."



VCU Head Coach Shaka Smart says of Bopp, "We are extremely fortunate to add Jesse Bopp to our coaching staff as Director of Basketball Operations. He gained tremendous experience over the past three years at Vermont Academy, where he played a significant role moving student-athletes forward on and off the court.  It is clear that Vermont Academy has been instrumental in Jesse's development as a leader and a mentor."



Vermont Academy is pleased to announce Bopp's successor. Cody Hatt, two year assistant coach for Vermont Academy, has been named Interim Head Coach for the 2013-14 season. Hatt played at Norwich University where he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Communications. He has been instrumental in identifying and recruiting this years' strong incoming class, and we are excited about the continuity in our program.

"I know Vermont Academy is in great hands with Cody Hatt," says Bopp.  "He is more than ready to be a head coach.  Furthermore, Sean Brennan and Vermont Academy continue to pledge their unconditional support for the program. I also have great faith in our returning players, as well as the seven newcomers joining the program, to continue to move Vermont Academy Basketball forward.



Vermont Academy looks forward to another post-season run in 2013-14.