Hopcroft Inks Pro Deal in London

LONDON – Former Colorado forward Shanade Hopcroft signed her first professional contract with the London City Lionesses on Monday. 

Hopcroft, who concluded her collegiate career with the Buffaloes in November, returns to her home country after totaling six goals and 10 assists in the 2021 season. 

"It's really exciting to be able to say I've joined London City," Hopcroft said. "I just can't wait to get onto the pitch and pull on a London City shirt for the first time."

Hopcroft, Colorado's 2021 MVP, led the Buffs with 22 points last season. Her 10 assists tied Taylor Kornieck (2018) for the most by a Buff in a single season. She finished the season leading the Pac-12 in assists and ranked second in the conference with 0.53 assists per game. 

Hopcroft started 34 of the 36 matches she played in during her two years at CU. She totaled 30 points (9 G, 12 A) in Boulder. Her collegiate career also includes one season playing at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, where she totaled 38 points (13 G, 12 A) in the 2019 season. 

"Shanade is a competitor who plays with a tremendous amount of passion," London City manager Melissa Philips said. "She has the confidence, technical quality and flair in 1v1 situations along with a knack for goal. In addition to her quality on the pitch, she's driven to help the club achieve our ambitions and add value to our current squad."

Hopcroft was a Third Team All-Pac-12 selection in 2020 and a Second Team honoree in 2021. She also earned Third Team United Soccer Coaches All-Pacific Region to wrap up her final season at CU. Hopcroft grabbed national attention by scoring on a bicycle kick against Stanford, helping the Buffs erase a 2-0 deficit and earn a draw against the Cardinal for the first time in program history. 

While at UCCS, Hopcroft was awarded DII Conference Commissioner's Association (D2CCA) and United Coaches All-America First Team honors. She was also the RMAC Player of the Year in her lone season in Colorado Springs.