Jim Hooven '80

JAMES JOHN “JIM” HOOVEN

Jim Hooven hails from the Juniata Park section of Philadelphia. He attended Hopkinson grade school before entering North in 1976. Hooven was an attacking midfielder/forward and a starting member of the 1978 & 1979 NC soccer teams that won both the PCL & City titles. In the '78 PCL championship game Jim netted (2) goals in a 3 - 0 win over Archbishop Carroll. And in the '78 City Title game Jim scored the winning goal with just over one minute remaining in an thrilling 1 - 0 North Catholic victory over George Washington High. Jim's contributions on the field also helped North Catholic Soccer teams defeat St Joe’s Prep (2-0) and Washington High (1-0) to repeat as PCL and City Champs in 1979. The Falcons would go undefeated in 36 straight games through his senior season.

In addition to Soccer Hooven also received letters in varsity basketball and baseball at North. He would be an All-Catholic selection in both Soccer & Baseball in his junior & senior year. Hooven was also selected 1^st team All-City in both Soccer and Baseball as a senior. He was named the Phila. Daily News “Pitcher of the year” in 1980. In addition to these athletic achievements Hooven was also an honor student and Class Vice President.

Jim went on to an outstanding College Career at LaSalle University where he played both Soccer & baseball. A four year soccer player (1980-83) under legendary head soccer coach Bill Wilkinson, Hooven joined forces with fellow Falcon stars Rusty Bono, John Friskey and Chris Mullen to help the Explorers win consecutive championships; The ECAC title in 1982 & the MAC Championship in 1983. Jim graduated from LaSalle with a Business degree in 1984.

Hooven returned to NC as an assistant freshman soccer coach during the late 1990s under Coach Jerry Brindisi. Jim helped to develop young Falcon players into the powerful varsity squads that would win 4 PCL titles in 10 years (1999, 2001, 2002 & 2008).

Jim has been married to his wife Joan for over 25 years. They have 4 children and currently live in the Mayfair section of the city. Jim works for the Navy Supply Depot in the Northeast. He is also a coach for the Lighthouse soccer program.