Scott Popelar

Biography

Scott Popelar, a fixture in the Colorado lacrosse community for 20+ years, rejoins the Air Force lacrosse staff as an assistant coach for his third year in 2025. Prior to joining the Academy, Popelar served as assistant coach and defensive coordinator for the Colorado College men’s lacrosse program since 2010. Since joining the Falcons, Popelar has assisted Air Force in an a share of the regular season conference title, a visit to the ASUN Tournament championship and three league tournament appearances. During Popelar's ten seasons with Colorado College, the Tigers have posted a combined 115-41 record, good for a 74% winning percentage. The defense has limited opponents to a 8.04 goals-against average during that time, and the Tigers have made seven NCAA Tournament appearances, while receiving national and regional All-American honors along the way. Prior to joining the CC staff, Popelar served as an assistant coach at Kent Denver School, coaching the close defense and middies while helping coordinate the overall team defense. He helped lead the Sun Devils to the Colorado state championship in 2008, the state finals in 2011 and the semifinals in 2010, as well as quarterfinal appearances in 2009 and 2012. In 2007, Popelar was an assistant coach with state champion Fort Collins Unified High School. He also served as head coach at Air Academy High School from 2001-05, reaching the state quarterfinals in 2001 and 2003. He was named Colorado Springs Gazette Coach of the Year in 20