From Catcher to Athletic Trainer: Katie Hoppe Returns to Baseball in New Role

For Katie Hoppe, baseball has always been part of the story.

From performing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” as a child in Red Sox gear to growing up around the sport, her path always seemed tied to the field.

As a standout softball catcher at Belgrade High School, Hoppe thrived on strategy and leadership, helping her team achieve historic success.

“I loved being the catcher because you can see the whole field,” she said. “You really need to understand the game.”

But behind the success, Hoppe was battling a shoulder injury—an experience that would ultimately shape her future.

“Being injured myself, I felt like I could help other athletes,” she said.

That realization led her down a new path. After earning a degree in massage therapy and later completing a four-year degree in exercise science, Hoppe balanced school, work, and running her own clinic before deciding to pursue Athletic Training at the graduate level.

Her dedication paid off. Set to graduate with her master’s degree in Athletic Training, Hoppe will soon step into her new role as head Athletic Trainer for the Missoula Paddleheads, a minor league baseball team.

“The world of baseball has always had such an impact on my life,” she said.

For Hoppe, the journey has come full circle—combining her love of sports with a passion for helping others recover, grow, and return to the game. Read the full story here!