From Record-Breaker to National Champion: Tara Oper Named National Player of the Year
By: Delanie Gearing, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications
POMONA, Calif. - Senior Tara Oper from Riverside has made history, being named the United Soccer Coaches National Player of the Year for 2024, making her only the second Women's Soccer Bronco to ever receive this prestigious honor. This recognition highlights a remarkable season for the standout athlete, who has proven to be a key player for Cal Poly Pomona's women's soccer team.
In addition to being named National Player of the Year, Oper's outstanding achievements this season have earned her a spot on several esteemed lists. She was selected for the United Soccer Coaches All-America First Team (previously announced as Third Team but was updated to First Team), D2CCA All-America Third Team, All-CCAA First Team, United Soccer Coaches All-West Region Team, D2CCA All-West Region First Team, and CSC Academic All-District. A fixture in the starting lineup, Oper played all 25 matches this season, tallying an impressive 9 goals and 12 assists for a total of 30 points. Her 12 assists broke the program record previously held by Ruth Van't Land (1999), making Oper the new standard-bearer in that category.
Beyond her stats, Oper's leadership and contributions were invaluable to the team's success. She scored 3 game-winning goals this season, with one notable strike against Point Loma on September 12th—an unforgettable moment in Cal Poly Pomona history as the team secured its first-ever win over a No. 1 ranked opponent.
Throughout her collegiate career, Oper appeared in 75 matches and accumulated 5,007 minutes on the field.
Head Coach Jay Mason had high praise for Oper, saying, "Tara is the hardest working person I have ever met. Her commitment, work ethic, and drive to improve is second to none. The example she sets every day has elevated the standards in our program. She was a huge component to this team's belief in themselves and what we could achieve. She never wavered in the face of adversity and her unrelenting pursuit of excellence on and off the field fostered a championship environment. Her selfless leadership alongside Auburn Burnett and Bella Hara allowed our team to grow together in hard moments while maintaining a healthy mindset firmly rooted in humility."
Oper's achievements this season not only showcase her individual brilliance but also her vital role in shaping the culture of success and resilience within the team.
— Cal Poly Pomona Broncos (@cppbroncos) December 17, 2024
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