10/26/2026 9:01:00 AM | Men's Soccer
CHARLESTON, S.C. – College of Charleston men's soccer senior captains Matt Lenert and Hogan Walker have been Cougars for all four years of their college careers. Beyond the box score, the captains have their own unique journeys that led them to Charleston all those years ago. As this chapter comes to a close, Lenert and Walker will carry with them the moments that make Charleston men's soccer so special.
Lenert and Walker began their soccer careers at a young age. The Falls Church, Va native started playing soccer at just four years old and has continued ever since. From youth soccer and recreational leagues to club, high school and now his final year of college soccer, the sport has always been an important part of Lenert's life. However, that didn't stop him from playing other sports, including basketball throughout high school.
The moment Lenert realized he wanted to play college soccer came after a trip to San Diego with his club team to compete in the national finals. Although the team suffered a loss in penalty kicks, Lenert made his first connection with a Division I program: Charleston. The experience also gave him the realization that "maybe I can do this," said Lenert. Academics have always been at the top of his priority list, with soccer a close second. The College of Charleston offered both, making it the perfect fit.Â
After four years, the decision paid off. Lenert will go down as one of the best to ever wear a Cougar uniform. He currently is tied for the tenth most goals in program history with 20, seventh most game-winning goals with five. and 13th most points with 47.
While both Lenert and Walker started playing sports at a young age, Walker took a different path. Introduced to sports at three years old, he tried as many as possible until he discovered his love for soccer. However, during his freshman year of high school, the Nashville native decided to take a step back.
"I was so drained because I was so competitive and put so much pressure on myself … one day it was kind of like, I can't do this anymore," said Walker.
That break allowed Walker time to reflect and rediscover why he started playing soccer in the first place. During his sophomore year, Walker's friends convinced him to return to the sport and play alongside them. Although he was hesitant at first, he ultimately decided to accept the opportunity.
"I ultimately made a decision, and I was like, you know what? I'll go back to playing competitively, and honestly, never looked back … That year break I had, I think, brought back my love for playing soccer, and now I am here," said Walker.
Both Lenert and Walker described choosing a college as a difficult process because you are going in blind.
"Going into a college team as a true freshman, it comes with a lot of nerves. You don't know what you're getting into really … The guys here, from the day I got here, really welcomed me," said Lenert. "The culture here was like, we're gonna welcome you no matter who you are, where you come from, what you believe in … you're one of the brothers now. So, just from day one, the guys made me feel super welcomed."
Over the past four years, one thing Walker and Lenert have made a point to maintain is the welcoming atmosphere they experienced as freshmen. In addition, the team's bond has continued to grow, strengthening the connection that carries over onto the pitch.
Although they have spent the last four years as Cougars, Lenert and Walker have both experienced a first in their collegiate careers over the past few weeks. Both players had been available for every game since arriving at the College of Charleston until recently. Lenert suffered a hamstring strain during the Cougars' win over No. 1 South Carolina, while Walker sustained a season-ending injury against Elon.
Despite the challenges, Walker remains focused on making the most of every opportunity.
"Regardless of hard moments or being injured or being in and out of form on the field … I would say we've both given it a proper go … to contribute as much as we can," said Walker.
He also stressed the importance of giving everything you have during each stretch of a game, emphasizing the need to "empty the tank" during the first 10 minutes and then approach the next 10 minutes the same way. For Walker, that mentality must carry through all 90 minutes to produce a complete performance in which "everybody just leaves everything they have on the field."
The captains both hope to continue playing soccer beyond their collegiate careers, although they have yet to determine exactly what that next chapter will look like. No matter where their soccer journeys take them, the Kickin' Chicken team dinners, preseason memories and team beach adventures are just a few of the many experiences they will carry with them long after their time as Cougars comes to a close.
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