Kipperman Living a Purpose While Thriving in Israel Professional Soccer
5/22/2025 11:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
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Wrapping up first season with ASA Tel Aviv in Women’s Premier League
By: Tim Bennett
In 2022, Elyssa Kipperman took a journey of a lifetime with the support of Birthright Israel, an organization that provides Jews around the world the opportunity to claim their birthright on a trip to Israel. It was a life-changing experience for Kipperman, who had just completed her third year as a goalkeeper for the SHU women's soccer team.
"I fell in love with the country, extended my stay, and left knowing I had `unfinished business' here," she said.
Nearly three years later, Israel is home. Following her outstanding tenure with the Pioneers, Kipperman has embarked on a professional soccer career in Israel. She is in her first season playing for ASA Tel Aviv in Israel's Women's Premier League.
Kipperman brought strong soccer credentials. At SHU, she was the 2022 Northeast Conference Goalkeeper and Defensive Player of the Year, helping the Pioneers reach the championship game of the NEC Tournament and to a program record 11 overall victories. In five seasons at Sacred Heart, including a fifth year as a graduate student in 2023, she played in a remarkable 77 games and posted a 1.22 career goals against average.
"[Assistant Coach] Andre [Lindsay] worked closely with Elyssa during her time at Sacred Heart as the goalkeeping instructor, and it was fun seeing her grow from her starting role as a freshman to becoming a first team all-conference selection and Defensive Player of the Year as a senior," said Sacred Heart head coach Matt Micros. "She made some big saves for us over the years and always turned up to play, even when she was a bit banged up, which happens from time to time. It's a demanding position. We are happy to see her continued success and that her hard work continues to pay dividends!"
Kipperman's decision to play in Israel, though, was about more than soccer, particularly after the tragic events of Oct. 7, 2023.
"I feel like the most authentic version of myself here — seen, heard, and supported by people fighting every day for the right to exist," Kipperman said. "Before the war, I already wanted to come back. But now, it means even more. Sports bring a sense of normalcy — especially in hard times. Soccer here isn't just a game; it's a way of life. Everyone plays. Everyone supports it. And it connects us through joy, unity and strength."
Given the current climate in the country, the decision was not an easy one.
Every game the team wears shirts that say,
"Bring Them Home, NOW"
in support of all the remaining hostages
"My family had understandable concerns. But I've always believed we can't live in fear," she said. "I wanted to be part of something bigger — to bring love, understanding, and presence in a time when it matters most. My friends and family have supported me throughout, even if some thought I was `crazy' for going to a place under conflict. They ultimately knew this was the right step for me."
Kipperman has made the most of her time in the country. ASA Tel Aviv typically plays one game a week. The team trains at night, and while she spends most mornings at the gym, there has been time to travel and explore.
"Israel is incredibly diverse. From skiing in the North to floating in the Dead Sea in the South, every region offers something unique," she said. "Tel Aviv is vibrant — full of food, music, and life. Jerusalem is spiritually rich and powerful."
One particular visit – to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem – made the biggest impression on her.
"After a deeply emotional day, we ended up dancing in the Shuk with all different walks of life, Orthodox Jews, Muslims and tourists," she said. "That's the spirit of this country: remembering pain but choosing to celebrate life."
Like in the United States, women's sports are thriving in Israel. Next season, ASA Tel Aviv will join with Maccabi Tel Aviv — one of the most well-renowned men's clubs in the country. Kipperman recently signed on for another season, and with a year of experience, she is excited for the future.
"The game here is much more physical. As a professional goalkeeper, the expectations are higher — I'm paid to keep the ball out of the net, and that pressure fuels me," she said. "I've become more aggressive off my line and have adapted my style to match the speed and intensity of the league."
Kipperman credits her time at Sacred Heart with helping her adapt to the professional game.
"At Sacred Heart, I was a student-athlete — balancing academics, athletics, and personal life. I completed my undergrad in just three years and earned my master's in two, all while playing Division I soccer," she said. "This was a real challenge, and at times I struggled mentally. SHU supported and guided me through these times and showed me the importance of being a human first. Sacred Heart taught me how to prioritize, how to stay grounded, and how to find strength in community. Being a Jewish student at a Catholic university also helped me stay true to my identity."
There have been many who have helped support her during this life-changing experience.
"I'm incredibly grateful — to Sacred Heart, to my family, to Israel," she said. "This journey began with soccer but has evolved into something far more meaningful. I'm not just playing a sport; I'm living a purpose."
Nearly three years later, Israel is home. Following her outstanding tenure with the Pioneers, Kipperman has embarked on a professional soccer career in Israel. She is in her first season playing for ASA Tel Aviv in Israel's Women's Premier League. 
