Zoe Tracey

The latest addition to the Hillsdale College athletic department is a woman who was highly accomplished in her sport, but now will contribute to many aspects of the department’s day-to-day

Zoe Tracey (Hopkins), a 2016 Hillsdale College graduate and record-setting swimmer, has been hired in the dual role of assistant women’s swimming coach and assistant sports information director. She began her duties Monday, January 23.

A member of the Charger women’s swimming team from 2012-16, Hopkins appears on the school’s all-time top 10 times list three times, and holds school records in the 1000 free (10:18.52) and 1650 free (17:18.95) events. A two-time team captain, Hopkins was named Scholar All-American by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association in 2015 and 2016. She also earned Academic All-GLIAC honors three times in her career.

A native of Temperance, Michigan, Hopkins will assist head coach Kurt Kirner in all aspects of the Hillsdale College swimming program, including practice design, nutrition plans, strength and conditioning work and recruiting. Kirner said Hopkins has the skill set to excel in all areas of coaching at the NCAA Division II level.

“When this opportunity came to be, Zoe was an easy first choice for us,” Kirner said. “She has a great passion for Hillsdale College, and can become a huge asset not just to our program, but for the athletic department from day one. We’re fortunate to have her.”

In addition to her duties as assistant swimming coach, Hopkins will also work in the Hillsdale College sports information department. ics we’re able to tell, and how we’re able to tell them. I’m thrilled she’s come home to Hillsdale.”

Hopkins graduated from Hillsdale College in May 2016 with a degree in sports management. After graduation, Hopkins worked as the Director of Competitive Swimming at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA in Traverse City, Michigan. She’s a graduate of Temperance Bedford High School. She currently lives in Hillsdale, Michigan with her husband Aaron Tracey (Hillsdale '14) and their Miniature Australian Shepherd, Samson.