Christian Academy of Louisville is excited to announce the hiring of Trent Popp as the head coach of its varsity boys soccer team.

“Trent’s soccer knowledge, as well as his vision for the CAL program, were significant factors in the decision,” athletic director Brad Morgan said. “He shares our belief that we can compete at the highest level, and he’s willing and able to put in the work to make that happen.”

Popp played collegiate soccer at Asbury University before a stint playing professionally in the Premier Development League, now known as the USL League Two. Since then, he’s coached at the club level with Javanon FC, as well as through his youth soccer business, Soccer Shots, and is eager to take on his first high school coaching position.

“I’m excited. Getting into the high school coaching scene is something I’ve always thought about doing,” Popp said. “I’ve worked with the school in different capacities, through the intramural levels with my kids. But I’m excited to be at a level where you’re not only teaching fundamentals and to love the game, but we’re also trying to get results. That’s the piece of the sport that I’ve missed since playing.”

Popp believes the program has untapped potential to rank among the best in the state, with other CAL sports providing a blueprint to consistent success.

“You see the success other sports have had at CAL with multiple state championships and the foundation those programs have in the school. We’re looking at how quickly we can raise the level of the program to that standard,” Popp said. “The families are there, the students are there. I think it’s just having consistent coaching and developing players from grade school level all the way through.”

Popp will meet the team on Thursday afternoon, and the Centurions are set to begin voluntary spring workouts in the coming weeks.