A career built on strength

Obstacles don't stop A-P's Poppens from pursuing pro basketball dreams...

If an athlete’s strength is measured by one’s ability to overcome adversity, former Aplington-Parkersburg standout Chelsea Poppens is as strong as they come.

Since graduating from Iowa State University in 2013, Poppens has played basketball for seven teams in five countries, undergone three knee surgeries and most recently, was caught in the aftermath of two Category Five hurricanes.

“You don’t really have a choice but to keep yourself up and keep moving,” said Poppens, who now resides in Ft. Myers, Fla.

After graduating from A-P in 2009, Poppens attended Iowa State University, where she earned First Team All- Big 12 honors and Honorable Mention All-American honors by the Associated Press in 2012 and 2013.

Drafted to the WNBA’s Seattle Storm and later landing with the San Antonio Silver Stars, Poppens sought a basketball career overseas.

Read the full story on the front page of the Oct. 11 Eclipse.