Selflessness is a quality that always benefits others, but sometimes goes unrecognized. The Athlete CRUSH College Impact Awards Lead Award looks to find athletes that display these qualities and senior Kelly Dopke from Idaho soccer was a prime example.
Dopkewon this award due to not only strong performance in the classroom and on the soccer pitch, but for the time and effort she puts forth into the community. Dopke takes part in events such as Alzheimer’s walks, while also volunteering her time as a caregiver and an intern at the Pullman Regional Hospital.
“I’ve coached a lot of players in my lifetime and (Dopke) exemplifies what you want in a college student-athlete,” Idaho soccer Head Coach Jeremy Clevenger said.
Dopke’s motivation to make positive impacts and help others stems from her good nature intentions to make other’s happy and life easier for everyone, but it also comes after the loss of her brother from a car accident in 2015 and wanting to live life in his image, Dopke said.
“Loss changes you and teaches you the true value of a life,” she said. “The memory of my brother and the extraordinary short life he lived, inspires me to touch as many people as I can with my time. It gives me the motivation to become a doctor, remain positive, and try to make everyone smile every day.”
The award also came with $531 check to donate to a charity of her choice. Dopke chose the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the National Foundation for Teen Safe Driving and the YMCA.
Dopke is studying Medical Sciences in the Honors Program with a 4.0 GPA and hopes to go to medical school and become a doctor.
Zack Kellogg can be reached at [email protected]