Kelly Sopak Named Head Coach of Nevada Women’s Basketball
RENO, Nev. – University of Nevada alumnus Kelly Sopak has been named the head coach of the Nevada Wolf Pack Women’s Basketball team, Director of Athletics Stephanie Rempe announced on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.1 Sopak returns to his alma mater with a distinguished career marked by success in developing talent and building championship-caliber programs.
A Proven Track Record of Success
Sopak is the founder of Cal Stars Basketball Club, a nationally recognized amateur and grassroots girls basketball program.1 He has also established himself as a prominent figure in California high school basketball, consistently leading teams to championships.
Most recently, Sopak served as the head coach at Carondelet High School in Concord, California, where he led the Cougars to the 2025 CIF Division I state title.1, 4 He was named Cal-Hi Sports 2024-25 State Coach of the Year for girls’ basketball.4 During his six seasons at Carondelet, he achieved a record of 143-31, securing three North Coast Section (NCS) titles and three NorCal Championship Game appearances, including one title.1
Prior to Carondelet, Sopak spent 12 seasons as the head coach at Miramonte High School from 2008-2020, where he amassed a record of 304-46.1 His teams won a CIF Open Division NorCal title, five NCS championships, and seven league titles. From 2013-2016, with Sabrina Ionescu on the roster, Miramonte went 119-9, capturing the 2016 CIF Open Division NorCal title and reaching the state title game.
Developing Elite Talent
Sopak has a remarkable track record of developing players who have gone on to succeed at the collegiate and professional levels. Nine of his former players have been drafted into the WNBA.1 He has mentored 25 USA Basketball alumni, 18 McDonald’s All-Americans, and 17 Gatorade Players of the Year.1
Notably, Sopak coached Sabrina Ionescu throughout her club and high school career before she became the No. 1 pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft and an Olympic Gold Medalist with Team USA in 2024.1
Cal Stars and Beyond
Through the Cal Stars program, founded in 2006, Sopak has guided over 400 athletes to college basketball opportunities.1, 2 The Cal Stars program is a Nike EYBL program and has won the 2015 Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) title.1 Sopak has also served as a court coach for the 2015 U16 National Team Trials.
Sopak was named to Silver Wave Media’s 2025 “100 Most Impactful People in Women’s Basketball.”1
A Wolf Pack Alum Returns Home
Sopak is a 1995 graduate of the University of Nevada, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.1 His wife, Beverly, is also a Nevada alumna, and their daughters, Lauren and Leah, are pursuing careers in the sports industry. Lauren is the Vice President of Event Operations for Nike Tournament of Champions, and Leah is a graduate assistant with TCU women’s basketball.1
“I am truly honored and grateful to be selected as the next head coach of Nevada Women’s Basketball,” said Sopak. “As an alum, this place has shaped me in so many ways… I am excited to pour everything I have into this role. We are going to build a program that reflects the toughness, the perform ethic, and the spirit of Nevada.”1
University President Brian Sandoval ’86 stated, “Coach Kelly Sopak has established himself as one of the winningest women’s basketball coaches… He brings a championship mentality and an incredible enthusiasm to lift our Women’s Basketball program to new heights.”1
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