Bucknell University

LEWISBURG, Pa.- The women’s water polo community continues to pile Olivia Hopper with awards, as the freshman received ACWPC All-America Honorable Mention for her spectacular debut. She became the first Bison to earn the honor since Paige Furano & Isabelle Monaghan in 2022. 

ACWPC Release

Hopper pelted the opposition’s cages, scoring 89 goals – the second-highest total in single-season Bison history. The Greenwich, Connecticut led the Orange & Blue revival, powering Bucknell to a 15-14 record – its first winning season since 2021 (8-4). Her efforts resulted in receiving Second Team All-CWPA honors.

The rookie displayed her clutch gene in Bucknell’s 7-6 upset win over No. 20 Brown in the Opening Round of the CWPA Tournament. Playing in Brown’s home waters, Hopper scored a game-high five goals, including the game-winning tally with 23 seconds remaining. The victory marked Bucknell’s first ranked win since 2020. 

The upset also powered the Bison to its first CWPA Poll ranking since the 2022 season. Bucknell spent several weeks at No. 24 and No. 25 before falling to receiving votes in the final edition. 

Hopper headlined the resurgence youth movement captained by head coach John McBride. She, her twin Ashley Hopper, Campbell Collins, and others rejuvenated the program with nine more wins over its 2024 total.

The Bucknell Bison women’s water polo program will return in 2026.