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30 CAVALIER CORNER cavalier profile SCOTT HOOPER Fourth-Year • Lacrosse Caused turnovers aren't the most "glamorous" lacrosse sta- tistic, but fourth-year Scott Hooper's proficiency in this depart- ment enabled him to become Virginia's top defender as well as the 28th overall pick, by Charlotte, in the Major League Lacrosse Draft April 18. Hooper led Virginia in caused turnovers in 2018 and 2017 with 35 and 26, respectively. "In terms of goals and assists, for a 'D guy' caused turnovers are like goals," Hooper said. "For defensive guys, it's groundballs that cause turnovers. We play a fast, up-tempo pace and need possession in order to succeed in our style. "I think Coach [Lars] Tiffany is pretty aggressive. He allows us to double-team the ball when we see a good opportunity to do so. He allows us to make plays." In addition to his prowess at causing turnovers, Hooper guarded the opposition's top offensive threat — something he relished. "You come to Virginia to play with and against the best play- ers," he said. "That's why you go to an ACC school. You want to play the best every single day. "At Virginia, we're fortunate to have some of the best on our own team." Hooper attended Moses Brown School in Providence, R.I., and then the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Conn., and played hockey and lacrosse. Eventually he knew he had to make a decision in terms of what sport he would play in college. "Going into my freshman year at Hotchkiss, I was still trying to pursue hockey while playing lacrosse on the side," he said. "During my freshman year I switched from midfield to defense in lacrosse. I had a knack for it. "Because of the switch in positions I fell in love with lacrosse and decided to pursue it." Hooper later faced another decision — whether to remain in state and attend Brown University where, at one time, his father, Paul, was an assistant lacrosse coach — or to go out of state. "Ultimately what it came down to was Rhode Island is such a small place," he said. "This was my opportunity to try something new and explore new places." — Mike Scandura Photo by Matt Riley/courtesy UVA