In this Alumni Profile piece, goyeo.com caught up with former soccer player Sam Hopkins. The 2001 graduate is now living far away from his old college stomping grounds, practicing Dermatology in Portland, Oregon.

Name:  R. Samuel Hopkins (“Sam”)
Graduation Year: 2001
Major at Oberlin: Biochemistry
Sport Played at Oberlin: Soccer
Current Occupation: Dermatologist, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon

How has being a student-athlete at Oberlin prepared you for life after college?

My experience playing soccer at Oberlin prepared me for life after college in several ways. Taking a team sport seriously while taking school seriously required learning to balance one's time well. In medical school I was able to excel while still playing soccer recreationally and still pursuing my hobbies with music as well. I continue to do both to this day. It also taught me a tremendous amount about forming lasting connections with people. My teammates from my time at Oberlin continue to be important in my life both socially and professionally (coincidentally, my co-teammate Ian Maher is also now an academic dermatologist). It is difficult to form such strong connections with colleagues outside of the intense college environment, but my experience at Oberlin taught me that striving to do so is always an enriching pursuit.

What message would you give to current student-athletes at Oberlin?

Being a competitive athlete at Oberlin is a unique experience. Your memories of your coaches and teammates will rank among your finest during your time at Oberlin. Take advantage of the opportunity!

What is your hope for the future of Oberlin Athletics?

I hope Oberlin athletics continues to provide a welcoming environment for students to compete and grow both as athletes and as scholars. At a place like Oberlin, these are not separate endeavors, but intensely entwined. The locker room chatter in my day ranged from soccer goals to philosophy. I hope this same type of athlete continues to be drawn to Oberlin as they enrich the campus culture.

What is your favorite memory of being a student-athlete at Oberlin?

So many great memories, but they all involve times on and off the field with my teammates. We had ups and downs in competition, but the strength of our connection as teammates never wavered, and the laughs were never far from the surface.

Describe the relationship you had with your coach

Blake New took over the men's soccer program my last two years and he gave our program a renewed energy and focus. I latched on to that energy, and I think our whole team did. Our team quickly became competitive in our conference those two years. Personally, I began to play at the highest level I had achieved as a player and I believe it takes a great coach to draw that out of a player. He shifted me to forward from midfield and I caught my stride. I learned a great deal from him those two years and am very happy Blake remains at the helm of the soccer program.

Why do you feel it is important to stay connected to the college and the athletics department?

For students like myself, in whom their athletic experience was a huge component of their collegiate experience, it just makes sense to stay connected. In many ways my college years and my collegiate athletic experience is a like a gift that keeps on giving. I've done a lot since graduating, but in many ways, what I've achieved was made possible by the quality of my collegiate experience. My Oberlin days enriched my life generously, so it makes since to give back and to stay connected.

What was your favorite spot to hang out at when you were on campus?

I had a few favorites, but high among them was Jones Field House locker room. Something special about an old locker room like that is hard to replicate. Mudd library ranked up there as well.

Why should someone go to Oberlin College?

It's a phenomenal college with wide ranging opportunities. Foremost, it draws the most uniquely talented students. I have never again been surrounded by such a concentration of diversely talented individuals as I was during my time at Oberlin.