RENO, Nev. – The University of Nevada, Reno, has tapped Kelly Sopak, a Wolf Pack alumnus and nationally recognized basketball coach, to lead its women’s basketball program. The announcement, made Tuesday by Director of Athletics Stephanie Rempe, brings a proven winner back to his alma mater with a mandate to elevate the program to new heights. Sopak’s appointment marks a significant moment for Nevada Women’s Basketball, signaling a commitment to building a championship-caliber team.
Sopak’s coaching career spans nearly two decades, marked by consistent success at both the high school and club levels. He’s widely known for his ability to identify and develop talent, sending numerous players on to collegiate and professional careers, including New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu. The hiring represents a strategic move for the university, aiming to capitalize on Sopak’s extensive network and track record of success in a rapidly evolving landscape of college athletics.
Rempe emphasized the importance of Sopak’s connection to the university and his vision for the program. “Kelly’s return to his alma mater brings not only expertise, but an energy and vision that matches the ambition of this program,” she said. “His unparalleled success in growing talent and building high-performing programs aligns perfectly with the trajectory we envision for Nevada Women’s Basketball.”
A Proven Track Record of Success
Sopak’s coaching journey began in 2003 as an assistant at Northgate High School in Walnut Creek, California. He quickly ascended to head coach in 2005, leading the team to a 94-20 record over four seasons. From 2008 to 2020, he helmed the Miramonte High School program, achieving a remarkable 304-46 record, a CIF Open Division NorCal title in 2016, five North Coast Section (NCS) championships, and seven league titles. During Ionescu’s time at Miramonte (2013-2016), the team went 119-9, showcasing Sopak’s ability to build around exceptional players.
More recently, Sopak led Carondelet High School in Concord, California, to a 2025 CIF Division I state title, earning Cal-Hi Sports 2024-25 State Coach of the Year honors. Over six seasons at Carondelet, his teams went 143-31, securing three NCS titles and three NorCal Championship Game appearances. He reached a career milestone in January 2025, achieving his 500th career win, bringing his overall record to an impressive 541-97. The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) oversees high school sports in the state.
Building a Pipeline of Talent with Cal Stars
Beyond his high school coaching roles, Sopak is the founder of Cal Stars Basketball Club, established in 2006. The program has become a national powerhouse in girls’ basketball, consistently producing top-tier talent. Cal Stars has claimed three national titles, a national runner-up finish, and two Final Four appearances, whereas guiding over 400 athletes to college basketball opportunities. Sopak’s program won the 2015 Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) title, further solidifying its reputation.
The impact of Sopak’s coaching extends to the professional ranks. Nine of his former players have been drafted into the WNBA, and 25 have participated in USA Basketball programs. Eighteen have earned McDonald’s All-American honors, and seventeen have been named Gatorade Players of the Year. Ionescu, a standout player for the New York Liberty and a 2024 Olympic gold medalist, is perhaps the most prominent example of Sopak’s success in developing elite athletes. The WNBA continues to grow in popularity and competitiveness.
A Return Home to Reno
Sopak expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the University of Nevada, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1995. “I am truly honored and grateful to be selected as the next head coach of Nevada Women’s Basketball,” he said. “As an alum, this place has shaped me in so many ways. I am the person I am today because of my time at this University, and that makes this opportunity deeply meaningful to me.”
University President Brian Sandoval ‘86 echoed Sopak’s sentiment, emphasizing the coach’s understanding of the university’s culture and the importance of Wolf Pack Athletics to the community. “Coach Kelly Sopak has established himself as one of the winningest women’s basketball coaches and developers of basketball talent on the West Coast,” Sandoval said. “He understands what Wolf Pack Athletics means to our community, and is the ideal person to lead this new era of Wolf Pack women’s basketball.”
Sopak’s family too has strong ties to the university. His wife, Beverly, is also a Nevada graduate, and their daughters, Lauren and Leah, are pursuing successful careers in the sports industry. Lauren is currently the Vice President of Event Operations for Nike Tournament of Champions, while Leah is a graduate assistant with the TCU women’s basketball team, which is currently enjoying a successful season with a 31-5 record and a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Looking Ahead
Sopak’s immediate focus will be on building a competitive roster and establishing a strong team culture. The Mountain West Conference presents a challenging landscape, but Sopak’s experience and proven ability to develop talent position him for success. The university has not yet announced a date for a formal introductory press conference. Fans and supporters can identify the latest updates on the Nevada Wolf Pack Athletics website: https://nevadawolfpack.com/.
The hiring of Kelly Sopak represents a new chapter for Nevada Women’s Basketball, filled with promise and potential. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and excitement for the upcoming season in the comments below.
