ITA Senior Player of the Year Award
James Hopper from Case Western Reserve University has been named the 2023 ITA Senior Player of the Year.
Hopper has been an absolute program changing player for the Case Western Reserve team over the past four seasons. His accomplishment have been so impressive that he’ll be using his extra eligibility and has received a scholarship to play for the back-to-back NCAA Division I National Champions, the University of Virginia.
He finished the season as the No. 1 ranked singles player in the country as well as the No. 1 ranked doubles player in the country after winning another NCAA Doubles Championship this year in Lake Nona.
Hopper is an eight-time ITA All-American and has earned First Team All-UAA Singles and Doubles honors, ITA National Team Indoors Most Outstanding Player honors, and is a two-time ITA Cup Doubles National Champion.
While playing No. 1 singles and doubles, Hopper has led the Spartans to their first UAA Championship in school history, two ITA National Team Indoor Championships, and the program's first NCAA National Championship this season.
Hopper leaves Case Western Reserve top five in career singles wins, second in career doubles wins, first in doubles winning percentage, and with the highest single-season doubles winning percentage.
A Letter From Head Coach Todd Wojtkowski
Dear James,
This must be one of the toughest things I can imagine doing. I cannot put enough words on a piece of paper to show you how grateful I am to have been your coach for these past four years. You, and your family (Jon and Natalie), have changed my life in so many ways and Julie, Owen, and myself are eternally grateful for this.
Through the past few years, you have consistently gone past all expectations, putting the team’s needs before your own. Your selflessness is truly inspiring, and it has created a sense of family amongst all of us. I have said it so many times, it is a special thing when your most talented player is able to always work the hardest, and consider others before himself, it creates an incredibly unique energy amongst a group that allows for incredible accomplishments, as we have seen many.
Your dedication has been unwavering. You have shown up at 6am each morning with the utmost focus and energy and your relentless pursuit of excellence has pushed all of those around you to become better. You have always been there for your teammates, instilling confidence in all of us. The impact you have had on our team, and our family is truly immeasurable.
Many thanks and I will be right here with you each step of the way on your next journey!
Todd Wojtkowski