Coach Allison Popelar
Q: When was the first time you realized you loved lacrosse?
A: Lacrosse has always been in my family, so I have loved it for as long as I can remember. If I had to pick a moment, it would be when my dad bought me my first girl’s stick and I had to learn how to catch with the shallow pocket
Q: When did you decide coaching was on the table for you?
A: Once my college lacrosse career ended, I immediately missed the game. Coaching was a great way to stay involved and gave me a reason to be one the field again every day. When the Rampart High School job opened, I had the opportunity to run the program I once played for—which I knew would be special and a great way to give back to the sport.
Q: What goals do you personally have for your time with this program?
A: With Bolts, I hope to represent Colorado Springs lacrosse and continue to build a reputation for this community. We have talented, coachable kids that are excited to learn. I think we have a great opportunity to help this group reach their potential and elevate the level they play at.
Q: What values do you hope to instill on the team or in the lax community at large through your time with these players?
A: I take a lot of pride being a part of the Colorado Springs lacrosse community. I want my players to take pride in their program and community they represent. This means being committed to improving their game, developing leadership, and encouraging their teammates to do the same.
Q: What do you think is the most important thing an athlete can do to grow as a player and as a person?
A: Take accountability for your own development. This can come in many forms: wall ball, watching film from a college game, or asking questions at practice. You will get out what you put in.
Q: Who has been your favorite or most inspirational coach or athlete?
A: My high school swim coach—Pat Burch. He taught me so much about respect, grit, persistence, and humility. I use his lessons consistently when I coach athletes.
Q: What goals do you personally have for your time with this program?
A: I am so excited for the opportunity to learn and grow as a coach. We have a diverse and experienced coaching staff, both on the boy’s and girl’s side. I’m looking forward to learning from their experiences and finding ways to improve my game as a coach.
Q: What are some other hobbies or interests you have and how do they help you with coaching?
My professional career has helped me develop leadership, agility, and attention to details that I use every day in coaching. When I’m not working or coaching (which is rare) — I love to distance run. The definitely teaches me persistence and discipline.
Q: What song are you walking out to?
A: Hooked on a Feeling — Blue Swede, Björn Skifs
Allison Popelar is the Head Lacrosse Coach for the women’s program at Rampart High in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Allison is also the Girls Director at Bolts Lacrosse and played midfield at the University of Tampa. Coach Popelar and her family have helped grow lacrosse on the girl’s and boy’s side in the Springs for well over a decade and a half where she has coached and refereed from a young age. In the future Allison hopes to continue to grow and represent the Colorado Springs lacrosse community well and create a positive, competitive, and meaningful experience for her players while sharing in the passion they share for the sport.
Rampart Rams are located in the Class-4A division for Colorado Lacrosse. Their instagram handle is @rampart_girls_lacrosse and their website can be found here.