From Old Scholar to Game Changer: Hoppo Leads the Next Chapter
A new era for Westminster Basketball has begun with the return of Old Scholar Jarryd Hoppo ('18) as Head of Basketball, setting a clear direction for the program’s future.
A former USA Division 1 college athlete with the Southern Utah Thunderbirds, Jarryd has competed at the highest levels of the game. Having represented South Australia at National Championships on multiple occasions and now playing with the Sturt Sabres in NBL1, he returns to Westminster with a clear purpose, to elevate the program and inspire the next generation of students.
“It had always been my goal to return to Westminster, to give back to students and young basketballers in a similar position to where I was,” he said.
“While my time at the School was short, it was invaluable and set me up for everything that followed.”
Jarryd joined Westminster in 2018 to complete Year 12 with a clear ambition, to play Division 1 basketball at college in the United States.
“I had so much support during my time at the School. Teachers and coaches were deeply invested in helping me achieve my goal,” he said.
Looking ahead, Jarryd is focused on building a culture that positions Westminster Basketball among the leading programs in South Australia and beyond.
“My vision is to establish Westminster as a Division 1 basketball program here in South Australia,” he said.
“That starts with culture, creating an environment that is disciplined, positive and driven to succeed.”
Central to this vision is a clear identity… high performance with purpose and opportunity for all.
“High performance does not mean exclusion. It means every student is challenged, supported and expected to grow,” Jarryd said.
This commitment extends across the entire program. Students who play for enjoyment and connection are equally valued, while a renewed focus on the girls’ program will strengthen pathways and expand opportunities.
Momentum is already building, with Westminster students Harry Davison (South Adelaide), Year 12, Brooklyn Arnold (Norwood), Year 11 and Adin Jasic (North Adelaide), Year 9, recently representing South Australia at the Australian National Championships — a strong reflection of the program’s growing potential.
“These selections show what is possible,” Jarryd said.
“They demonstrate that the pathway is real and that Westminster can develop athletes capable of competing at the highest levels.”
“When younger students see this, it makes their own aspirations tangible and reinforces what the future of basketball at Westminster can become.”
The basketball program’s renewed direction is already attracting high-calibre students. Brooklyn Arnold, a high-performance athlete, joined Westminster this year and has quickly embraced the environment.
“What drew me here was the program under Hoppo,” Brooklyn said.
“The high-performance focus, combined with a balanced approach that develops the whole student, really stood out.”
“We are looking forward to seeing what we can achieve this season, but the standards are high, the culture is strong and you can feel the momentum building.”
The Westminster Basketball program welcomes students of all experience levels, offering opportunities to develop skills, build connections and pursue excellence.