Every iconic building or structure has one thing in common. It started with a solid foundation. The same thing holds true in sports. For a program or organization to succeed, the first requirement is a solid foundation.
This story highlights two individuals that are part of the foundation of Sun Devil Lacrosse. Their leadership, resiliency, determination, and sacrifices have helped establish the strong foundation that has made Arizona State one of the top up-and-coming lacrosse programs in the country. Seniors Kristina Coppinger and Mia Harp will be moving on after graduating from Arizona State, but the impact they had will always be remembered.
"Mia Harp and Kristina Coppinger will be moving forward into the next phases of their lives and we wish them the best," Sun Devil Lacrosse Head Coach Tim McCormack remarked. "They were both instrumental in forming Sun Devil Lacrosse and they have both left a lasting legacy on this program."
Back in 2015 when Vice President for University Athletics Ray Anderson announced that Arizona State would add Women's Lacrosse as the 25th varsity sport, Sun Devil Lacrosse seniors Kristina Coppinger and Mia Harp were in the midst of successful prep careers and beginning the recruiting process. With Arizona State just starting the transition process and still two years away from fielding a Division I team, Tempe did not seem like an option for either prospect.
For Mission Hills, Kansas native Kristina Coppinger, it wasn't until the offseason before her senior year that she discovered Arizona State was starting a lacrosse team. Little did she know the impact that this newfound knowledge would have.
"I was looking at a few other schools in the spring of my junior year and the fall of my senior year, when, in the spring of my Senior year, I heard through the grapevine that ASU was starting a team," Coppinger said. "I went out to a camp, met with the coaches and they offered me a spot."
A trip around campus is all it took to sell Coppinger on this unfamiliar place that she had literally just found out about. Once she toured the campus and realized it would be a fit, she made a decision that would change the rest of her life.
"Walking around campus and seeing all of the friendly faces, I knew Tempe would be my home for the next four years," Coppinger remarked. "Playing lacrosse for ASU fell into my lap in a way that only things that are meant to be do."
Coppell, Texas native Mia Harp was exploring her options prior to her senior year, but had yet to find the right place.
"It was very late in the recruiting process because I was a senior in high school," Harp stated. "I had visited other schools, but none of them really felt like the right fit."
With the recent news Arizona State was adding a lacrosse team, she decided that Tempe was worth a visit.
"I really was not expecting anything from the visit because I did not know what Arizona was like, and had never been anywhere near ASU," Harp reflected.
As has happened to many high school seniors over the years, the Arizona State campus was an immediate selling point. After visiting with the members of the program, Harp realized she had finally found the perfect fit.
"It sounds really cliché, but as soon as we drove up to the campus I fell in love," Harp said. "The whole campus exceeded my expectations and I felt comfortable being there even if it was far away. Then after meeting all of the staff and future teammates, I definitely just knew this was the place for me."
Once Harp and Coppinger arrived on campus, it was their first time being away from home for an extended period. Luckily for both, their teammates were in similar situations, giving them common ground and creating a support system.
"I was a little nervous, but my nerves were calmed by the diversity of my team," Coppinger said. "Everyone is from everywhere. Sun Devil Lacrosse is incredibly proud of our diversity."
"I was definitely so nervous being far away from home," Harp added. "Basically my whole family lives minutes away from me in Texas so I am a home body at heart."
Harp manage to settle into her new home quickly, thanks in large part to having a familiar face as a roommate. Redshirt junior goalkeeper Berkeley Bonneau is from the same town in Texas as Harp, giving both individuals a friend from the start.
"It helped a lot having Berkeley as my roommate as I was super comfortable with her having known each other since we were little kids," Harp stated. "Having someone I was familiar with definitely eased some anxiety, but I grew so much having to be far from home."
With prospects constantly facing pressure to stay close to home, Coppinger and Harp both believe they benefited from the decision to move away for college.
"I have always been extremely independent," Coppinger said. "Going to college knowing no one only strengthened my independence. I grew in a million different ways and I am so thankful for the opportunities I was given at ASU."
"A lot of college kids have the ability to drive home for the weekend if they are having a tough time at school," Harp added. "We did not get that pleasure, and it really made me learn how to handle hard times on my own. I am so happy I had to learn that kind of independence, and it made me extremely grateful for the time I do get with my family."
Coppinger and Harp went through a remarkable transition during their time in Tempe, growing and developing on and off the field. Because of their aforementioned experience and independence, they quickly became players who led by example on the field. No more was their leadership on display than during their senior seasons, helping a young team stay together during a coaching transition.
Leadership has come naturally for Kristina Coppinger as far back as she can remember. She had an invaluable impact on the younger Sun Devils, emerging as one of the most influential voices on the team.
Suffering a season-ending knee injury offers a test of resiliency and toughness that some people don't always respond well to. For Mia Harp, it gave her an opportunity to find out just what she is made of.
A strong support system and incredible determination allowed her to make a recovery and battle back to get on the field.
"I was lucky to have an extremely supportive team, and set up with amazing trainers and physical therapists to get back to my physical strength to be able to play," Harp stated.
Harp was able to see action in her final two seasons as a Sun Devil, with her resiliency inspiring teammates and the coaching staff.
"It helped so much this year having such a supportive staff that were extremely understanding of where I was coming from, and encouraging me to work hard and push myself," Harp remarked. "This helped me find strength for not only playing time on the field, but just doing my best for the overall success of the team."
Despite his limited time coaching Coppinger and Harp, first-year Head Coach Tim McCormack gained immense respect for two individuals he considers part of the foundation Sun Devil Lacrosse.
"Kristina and Mia were part of the first full class at ASU and I couldn't be prouder of their investment and dedication to the program," Coach McCormack remarked.
As both reflect on their time as Sun Devils, one thing becomes clear, the relationships that are formed through the sport have an immeasurable impact.
"I have formed life long relationship with my Devils," Coppinger exclaimed. "I have a special place in my heart for every teammate, coach, and staff member."
"The relationships I have made in Tempe are ones that I know will last a lifetime," Harp remarked" "I absolutely loved traveling with my teammates, and going on away trips were always so much fun. I have been able to go to so many cool places because of lacrosse, and I think that is such a unique experience that athletes get."
The main reason why these bonds have been cultivated is the culture that Coach McCormack has established in Tempe.
"Every year more people come on the team, and more friendships were created," Harp observed. "We have been able to create a culture of family, and everyone just loves and supports one another."
Bigger and better things are ahead for Coppinger and Harp, but they will always cherish the memories they made will part of the Sun Devil Lacrosse program. Coppinger will especially miss the time she was able to spend with her teammates and fellow student-athletes.
"I will miss joking around with my teammates, getting food and coffee with teammates, going to other teams sporting events, and making so many new friends."
Harp knows this is not a goodbye moment because of the quality of friendships she was able to form as a Sun Devil.
"The amount of support and love everyone shows each other really is special," Harp mentioned. "We all work so hard and push each other, and this makes us so close on and off the field. I am going to miss playing with them so much, but I know I will still be in touch with all of them and maintain my relationships."
The Sun Devil Lacrosse team is fortunate to receive support not only from each other, but from the fans as well. Harp, Coppinger, and company helped make Sun Devil Soccer/Lacrosse Stadium a tough place for opposing teams to play.
"Home games will always be my most favorite memories," Harp reflected. "All of the time spent with the team whether it was on the field or watching movies at our house is just something I am so thankful for."
In order to build the solid foundation, an attribute of every successful new program, you have to identify the right type of individual that represent what you are looking for in a student-athlete. Sun Devil Lacrosse found exactly that, as Kristina Coppinger and Mia Harp have been integral pieces of the foundation of an emerging program. This is a distinction that solidifies their place as a part of the history of Sun Devil Athletics. They each acknowledge their place as foundational members of Sun Devil Lacrosse, a title that they don't take lightly.
"It's incredibly special to me," Coppinger said. "Something I hang my hat on. No one can ever take that away from me. I was one of the women who started ASU Women's Lacrosse. I will be a Sun Devil for life."
"It really is such a unique experience, and one of the main reasons I really wanted to be on the team," Harp added. "Not many people get to say they literally started a Division 1 program! Knowing I made an impact on the foundation of this team is so special to me, and I am so thankful I was able to experience this."
Of the many accomplishments that the duo has achieved at Arizona State, earning their degrees is one of the most impressive. Neither individual was afraid to challenge themselves, as shown by the extra workload they took on. Mia Harp received her Bachelors of Science in Integrative Health while also Minoring in Family and Human Development.
"I plan to start at Burns and McDonnell on August 17th (Corona permitting)," Coppinger stated. "This summer I will be coaching youth girl's lacrosse in the Kansas City area- with social distancing. I also plan to spend time with my friends and family and pick up some hobbies!"
Harp will still be around the program for the next few years, as she plans on attending nursing school at Arizona State in the Spring of 2021. Her positive attitude and selfless mentality make her a perfect fit for the medical field.
"My next step is attending nursing school to get my bachelor of science in nursing," Harp mentioned "I plan to do this at Arizona State, and I will start in the Spring of 2021. I am so excited to continue to attend ASU, and live with some of my teammates still. I will be ASU lacrosse's number one fan while working towards my dream job of becoming a nurse!"
One thing that Coach McCormack is confident about is his two seniors ability to be successful no matter what they do.
"Mia is one of the most selfless players I've ever coached," Coach McCormack observed. "She always puts the team first. She will be missed by our staff as well as her teammates. I am looking forward to all her future success."
"Kristina is a great leader, friend, and mentor to so many Sun Devils," Coach McCormack added. "I am proud of everything she has accomplished. She has a very bright future ahead."
The impact of the Sun Devil Lacrosse program extends beyond the playing field. Coach McCormack has built a family atmosphere that emphasizes teamwork and playing free. The members of Sun Devil Lacrosse are able to build friendships and relationships that will last the rest of their lives. Most of the time, the most honesty that potential recruits can get is from the current players themselves. When asked what she would say to future Arizona State recruits, here is what Mia Harp had to say:
"The coaches and staff at ASU are truly unbeatable," Harp explained. "Everyone cares about you and your success on and off the field. There is a huge family environment, and you will immediately feel that when you spend even a minute with the team. ASU is a great school, and the lacrosse team is an incredible program. It truly is the best of both worlds. It has been such a blessing to be a part of the team, and anyone who gets to experience it will say the same. Being able to represent a large Pac-12 school is something to take with a lot of pride. Be ready to work hard, have fun, and love what you are doing every day."
Under the direction of Coach McCormack, Sun Devil Lacrosse is building something special. Regardless of how different the program looks over the next few decades, the legacy of Kristina Coppinger and Mia Harp will remain the same: The Foundation of Sun Devil Lacrosse.
This story highlights two individuals that are part of the foundation of Sun Devil Lacrosse. Their leadership, resiliency, determination, and sacrifices have helped establish the strong foundation that has made Arizona State one of the top up-and-coming lacrosse programs in the country. Seniors Kristina Coppinger and Mia Harp will be moving on after graduating from Arizona State, but the impact they had will always be remembered.
"Mia Harp and Kristina Coppinger will be moving forward into the next phases of their lives and we wish them the best," Sun Devil Lacrosse Head Coach Tim McCormack remarked. "They were both instrumental in forming Sun Devil Lacrosse and they have both left a lasting legacy on this program."
Back in 2015 when Vice President for University Athletics Ray Anderson announced that Arizona State would add Women's Lacrosse as the 25th varsity sport, Sun Devil Lacrosse seniors Kristina Coppinger and Mia Harp were in the midst of successful prep careers and beginning the recruiting process. With Arizona State just starting the transition process and still two years away from fielding a Division I team, Tempe did not seem like an option for either prospect.
For Mission Hills, Kansas native Kristina Coppinger, it wasn't until the offseason before her senior year that she discovered Arizona State was starting a lacrosse team. Little did she know the impact that this newfound knowledge would have.
"I was looking at a few other schools in the spring of my junior year and the fall of my senior year, when, in the spring of my Senior year, I heard through the grapevine that ASU was starting a team," Coppinger said. "I went out to a camp, met with the coaches and they offered me a spot."
A trip around campus is all it took to sell Coppinger on this unfamiliar place that she had literally just found out about. Once she toured the campus and realized it would be a fit, she made a decision that would change the rest of her life.
"Walking around campus and seeing all of the friendly faces, I knew Tempe would be my home for the next four years," Coppinger remarked. "Playing lacrosse for ASU fell into my lap in a way that only things that are meant to be do."
Coppell, Texas native Mia Harp was exploring her options prior to her senior year, but had yet to find the right place.
"It was very late in the recruiting process because I was a senior in high school," Harp stated. "I had visited other schools, but none of them really felt like the right fit."
With the recent news Arizona State was adding a lacrosse team, she decided that Tempe was worth a visit.
"I really was not expecting anything from the visit because I did not know what Arizona was like, and had never been anywhere near ASU," Harp reflected.
As has happened to many high school seniors over the years, the Arizona State campus was an immediate selling point. After visiting with the members of the program, Harp realized she had finally found the perfect fit.
"It sounds really cliché, but as soon as we drove up to the campus I fell in love," Harp said. "The whole campus exceeded my expectations and I felt comfortable being there even if it was far away. Then after meeting all of the staff and future teammates, I definitely just knew this was the place for me."
Once Harp and Coppinger arrived on campus, it was their first time being away from home for an extended period. Luckily for both, their teammates were in similar situations, giving them common ground and creating a support system.
"I was a little nervous, but my nerves were calmed by the diversity of my team," Coppinger said. "Everyone is from everywhere. Sun Devil Lacrosse is incredibly proud of our diversity."
"I was definitely so nervous being far away from home," Harp added. "Basically my whole family lives minutes away from me in Texas so I am a home body at heart."
Harp manage to settle into her new home quickly, thanks in large part to having a familiar face as a roommate. Redshirt junior goalkeeper Berkeley Bonneau is from the same town in Texas as Harp, giving both individuals a friend from the start.
"It helped a lot having Berkeley as my roommate as I was super comfortable with her having known each other since we were little kids," Harp stated. "Having someone I was familiar with definitely eased some anxiety, but I grew so much having to be far from home."
With prospects constantly facing pressure to stay close to home, Coppinger and Harp both believe they benefited from the decision to move away for college.
"I have always been extremely independent," Coppinger said. "Going to college knowing no one only strengthened my independence. I grew in a million different ways and I am so thankful for the opportunities I was given at ASU."
"A lot of college kids have the ability to drive home for the weekend if they are having a tough time at school," Harp added. "We did not get that pleasure, and it really made me learn how to handle hard times on my own. I am so happy I had to learn that kind of independence, and it made me extremely grateful for the time I do get with my family."
Coppinger and Harp went through a remarkable transition during their time in Tempe, growing and developing on and off the field. Because of their aforementioned experience and independence, they quickly became players who led by example on the field. No more was their leadership on display than during their senior seasons, helping a young team stay together during a coaching transition.
Leadership has come naturally for Kristina Coppinger as far back as she can remember. She had an invaluable impact on the younger Sun Devils, emerging as one of the most influential voices on the team.
"Ever since I was little, I was always the mother of any group, and that automatically made me a leader," Coppinger reflected. "Some people are born leaders and I guess I am one of those people- it is subconscious to me and I cannot control it. I lead more by example than word. As the oldest, I was told to set a good example, I guess I never stopped."??Shutdown defender ??
— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) May 20, 2020
??Team Leader ???
??3?0? career starts ??
??@barretthonors member??
??Arizona State Graduate ????
??Foundational piece of @SunDevilWLax ??
What a career for #?2?5??
?????????? ??????, ???????????????? ??????????????????! pic.twitter.com/7yzNQEIgcO
Suffering a season-ending knee injury offers a test of resiliency and toughness that some people don't always respond well to. For Mia Harp, it gave her an opportunity to find out just what she is made of.
"There were definitely times where it was really tough after my injury," Harp said. "It was hard both physically and mentally on me, and I think that sometimes people do not realize the extent of mental toughness it takes to bounce back after a season ending injury."??Dedicated to the game ??
— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) May 21, 2020
??Overcame adversity ??
??Assist in her first game back from injury ??
??Positive locker room presence ?
??Arizona State Graduate ????
??Foundational piece of @SunDevilWLax ??
#?5?5? is one Tough Texan ??
?????????? ??????, ?????? ?????????? pic.twitter.com/FvwRBNvvoA
A strong support system and incredible determination allowed her to make a recovery and battle back to get on the field.
"I was lucky to have an extremely supportive team, and set up with amazing trainers and physical therapists to get back to my physical strength to be able to play," Harp stated.
Harp was able to see action in her final two seasons as a Sun Devil, with her resiliency inspiring teammates and the coaching staff.
"It helped so much this year having such a supportive staff that were extremely understanding of where I was coming from, and encouraging me to work hard and push myself," Harp remarked. "This helped me find strength for not only playing time on the field, but just doing my best for the overall success of the team."
Despite his limited time coaching Coppinger and Harp, first-year Head Coach Tim McCormack gained immense respect for two individuals he considers part of the foundation Sun Devil Lacrosse.
"Kristina and Mia were part of the first full class at ASU and I couldn't be prouder of their investment and dedication to the program," Coach McCormack remarked.
As both reflect on their time as Sun Devils, one thing becomes clear, the relationships that are formed through the sport have an immeasurable impact.
"I have formed life long relationship with my Devils," Coppinger exclaimed. "I have a special place in my heart for every teammate, coach, and staff member."
"The relationships I have made in Tempe are ones that I know will last a lifetime," Harp remarked" "I absolutely loved traveling with my teammates, and going on away trips were always so much fun. I have been able to go to so many cool places because of lacrosse, and I think that is such a unique experience that athletes get."
The main reason why these bonds have been cultivated is the culture that Coach McCormack has established in Tempe.
"Every year more people come on the team, and more friendships were created," Harp observed. "We have been able to create a culture of family, and everyone just loves and supports one another."
Bigger and better things are ahead for Coppinger and Harp, but they will always cherish the memories they made will part of the Sun Devil Lacrosse program. Coppinger will especially miss the time she was able to spend with her teammates and fellow student-athletes.
"I will miss joking around with my teammates, getting food and coffee with teammates, going to other teams sporting events, and making so many new friends."
Harp knows this is not a goodbye moment because of the quality of friendships she was able to form as a Sun Devil.
"The amount of support and love everyone shows each other really is special," Harp mentioned. "We all work so hard and push each other, and this makes us so close on and off the field. I am going to miss playing with them so much, but I know I will still be in touch with all of them and maintain my relationships."
The Sun Devil Lacrosse team is fortunate to receive support not only from each other, but from the fans as well. Harp, Coppinger, and company helped make Sun Devil Soccer/Lacrosse Stadium a tough place for opposing teams to play.
"Home games will always be my most favorite memories," Harp reflected. "All of the time spent with the team whether it was on the field or watching movies at our house is just something I am so thankful for."
In order to build the solid foundation, an attribute of every successful new program, you have to identify the right type of individual that represent what you are looking for in a student-athlete. Sun Devil Lacrosse found exactly that, as Kristina Coppinger and Mia Harp have been integral pieces of the foundation of an emerging program. This is a distinction that solidifies their place as a part of the history of Sun Devil Athletics. They each acknowledge their place as foundational members of Sun Devil Lacrosse, a title that they don't take lightly.
"It's incredibly special to me," Coppinger said. "Something I hang my hat on. No one can ever take that away from me. I was one of the women who started ASU Women's Lacrosse. I will be a Sun Devil for life."
"It really is such a unique experience, and one of the main reasons I really wanted to be on the team," Harp added. "Not many people get to say they literally started a Division 1 program! Knowing I made an impact on the foundation of this team is so special to me, and I am so thankful I was able to experience this."
Of the many accomplishments that the duo has achieved at Arizona State, earning their degrees is one of the most impressive. Neither individual was afraid to challenge themselves, as shown by the extra workload they took on. Mia Harp received her Bachelors of Science in Integrative Health while also Minoring in Family and Human Development.
Kristina Coppinger was a part of the prestigious Barrett, The Honors College, one of the few Sun Devil student-athletes to be accepted at one of the top honors colleges in the nation. Coppinger received her Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering while also obtaining a Minor in Sustainability. With their degrees in hand, both Sun Devils will be moving on from Sun Devil Lacrosse to start their careers outside of sports.As we continue to honor our @ASU grads, it is now time to recognize a resilient student-athlete who has persevered throughout her career
— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) May 11, 2020
Shout out to ?????? ????????, who will receive a Bachelors of Science in Integrative Health with a Minor in Family and Human Development ???? pic.twitter.com/CxLjrERz8r
Coppinger will have a chance to utilize her Engineering background and success working with a tema at Burns & McDonnell, a full-service engineering, architecture, construction, environmental and consulting solutions firm, based in Kansas City, Missouri.We are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of our @ASU graduates! #SunDevilsForLife
— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) May 11, 2020
A perfect example is @barretthonors member ???????????????? ??????????????????, who will receive her Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering with a Minor in Sustainability ???? pic.twitter.com/PL5GFOQonE
"I plan to start at Burns and McDonnell on August 17th (Corona permitting)," Coppinger stated. "This summer I will be coaching youth girl's lacrosse in the Kansas City area- with social distancing. I also plan to spend time with my friends and family and pick up some hobbies!"
Harp will still be around the program for the next few years, as she plans on attending nursing school at Arizona State in the Spring of 2021. Her positive attitude and selfless mentality make her a perfect fit for the medical field.
"My next step is attending nursing school to get my bachelor of science in nursing," Harp mentioned "I plan to do this at Arizona State, and I will start in the Spring of 2021. I am so excited to continue to attend ASU, and live with some of my teammates still. I will be ASU lacrosse's number one fan while working towards my dream job of becoming a nurse!"
One thing that Coach McCormack is confident about is his two seniors ability to be successful no matter what they do.
"Mia is one of the most selfless players I've ever coached," Coach McCormack observed. "She always puts the team first. She will be missed by our staff as well as her teammates. I am looking forward to all her future success."
"Kristina is a great leader, friend, and mentor to so many Sun Devils," Coach McCormack added. "I am proud of everything she has accomplished. She has a very bright future ahead."
The impact of the Sun Devil Lacrosse program extends beyond the playing field. Coach McCormack has built a family atmosphere that emphasizes teamwork and playing free. The members of Sun Devil Lacrosse are able to build friendships and relationships that will last the rest of their lives. Most of the time, the most honesty that potential recruits can get is from the current players themselves. When asked what she would say to future Arizona State recruits, here is what Mia Harp had to say:
"The coaches and staff at ASU are truly unbeatable," Harp explained. "Everyone cares about you and your success on and off the field. There is a huge family environment, and you will immediately feel that when you spend even a minute with the team. ASU is a great school, and the lacrosse team is an incredible program. It truly is the best of both worlds. It has been such a blessing to be a part of the team, and anyone who gets to experience it will say the same. Being able to represent a large Pac-12 school is something to take with a lot of pride. Be ready to work hard, have fun, and love what you are doing every day."
Under the direction of Coach McCormack, Sun Devil Lacrosse is building something special. Regardless of how different the program looks over the next few decades, the legacy of Kristina Coppinger and Mia Harp will remain the same: The Foundation of Sun Devil Lacrosse.