It was a day charged with anticipation and pride at the University of Nevada, Reno, as the Wolf Pack community welcomed back one of its own. On March 25, 2026, the university held an introductory press conference officially presenting Kelly Sopak as the new head coach of Nevada Women’s Basketball. The move, announced a day earlier by Director of Athletics Stephanie Rempe, marks a new era for the program—one that’s infused with experience, championship pedigree, and a deep connection to the institution.
Sopak’s journey to this pivotal role is nothing short of remarkable. A 1995 graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Sopak has built a reputation as one of the most successful and respected coaches in women’s basketball on the West Coast. His coaching résumé is a testament to his relentless drive and vision for the game, and his roots as a Wolf Pack alumnus make this appointment all the more meaningful for the university and its fans.
“Today’s announcement marks a defining moment for Nevada Women’s Basketball and for the University of Nevada. Kelly’s return to his alma mater brings not only expertise, but an energy and vision that matches the ambition of this program,” said Rempe during the press conference. She continued, “His unparalleled success in growing talent and building high-performing programs aligns perfectly with the trajectory we envision for Nevada Women’s Basketball. He has mentored, coached and developed some of the very best players in the world. As the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, Kelly is the forward-thinking, purpose-driven leader who will build a championship-caliber program and elevate the Wolf Pack to new heights.”
Sopak’s impact on the sport began long before this homecoming. In 2006, he founded Cal Stars Basketball Club, which quickly became one of the nation’s premier amateur and grassroots girls basketball programs. Over the years, Sopak has guided the Cal Stars to three national titles, one national runner-up finish, and two additional Final Four appearances, amassing over 1,000 wins as head coach of the club’s 17U squad. The 2015 Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) title stands out as a crowning achievement, but perhaps even more impressive is the sheer number of athletes—over 400—he’s helped move on to college basketball opportunities.
His high school coaching career is equally decorated. Sopak took the helm at Miramonte High School in 2008, where he led the Matadors to a 304-46 record over 12 seasons. His tenure included five North Coast Section (NCS) championships, seven league titles, and the 2016 CIF Open Division NorCal crown. With future WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu leading the charge from 2013 to 2016, Miramonte compiled a staggering 119-9 record and reached the state title game. Ionescu, now a guard for the New York Liberty, went on to become the top pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft and won an Olympic Gold Medal with Team USA in 2024. Sopak’s influence on her career—and on the careers of so many others—has been profound.
After Miramonte, Sopak took over as head coach at Carondelet High School in Concord, California, in 2020. His impact was immediate and sustained: the Cougars captured the 2025 CIF Division I state title, three North Coast Section crowns, and made three NorCal Championship Game appearances, winning one. Over six seasons, Carondelet posted a 143-31 record under his guidance. In January 2025, Sopak reached a coaching milestone, joining an elite group of California girls basketball head coaches by notching his 500th-career win. His overall high school coaching record now stands at an impressive 541-97.
The accolades don’t stop there. Sopak was named Cal-Hi Sports 2024-25 State Coach of the Year and was included in Silver Wave Media’s 2025 list of the “100 Most Impactful People in Women’s Basketball.” His influence extends to the national stage as well, having served as a court coach for the 2015 USA Basketball U16 National Team Trials. Nine of his former players have been drafted into the WNBA, and his list of protégés includes 25 USA Basketball alumni, 18 McDonald’s All-Americans, and 17 Gatorade Players of the Year. These numbers tell the story of a coach who not only wins but molds future stars.
“I am truly honored and grateful to be selected as the next head coach of Nevada Women’s Basketball,” Sopak said at the press conference. “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. This is a community that cares, that shows up, and that takes pride in its program, and I feel that. I am excited to pour everything I have into this role. We are going to build a program that reflects the toughness, the work ethic, and the spirit of Nevada. I cannot wait to get in the gym with this group of student athletes and get to work.”
University President Brian Sandoval echoed the excitement and confidence surrounding Sopak’s appointment. “Coach Kelly Sopak has established himself as one of the winningest women’s basketball coaches and developers of basketball talent on the West Coast. He brings a championship mentality and an incredible enthusiasm to lift our Women’s Basketball program to new heights,” Sandoval said. “As a graduate of our University, 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. We are excited to welcome Kelly and his family home.”
Sopak’s family, too, is steeped in basketball tradition and Nevada pride. His wife Beverly is also a University of Nevada graduate. Their daughter Lauren is currently Vice President of Event Operations for the Nike Tournament of Champions, while their other daughter, Leah, serves as a graduate assistant with TCU women’s basketball, a team that’s currently 31-5 and in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The family’s deep ties to basketball and the university add another layer of excitement to this homecoming.
With Sopak at the helm, the Nevada Women’s Basketball program is poised for a fresh start. Fans and university officials alike are eager to see what the future holds as the Wolf Pack aims to rise in the ranks of collegiate women’s basketball. The combination of Sopak’s proven track record, his passion for developing talent, and his love for his alma mater sets the stage for a compelling new chapter in Nevada sports.
As the dust settles from the press conference and the echoes of applause fade, one thing is clear: Kelly Sopak’s return signals not just a new coach, but a renewed sense of purpose and ambition for Nevada Women’s Basketball. The journey ahead promises to be one worth following, with a leader who knows what it means to wear Wolf Pack blue and silver.