Michner Adds Loper to Staff
4/7/2026 1:13:00 PM | Women's Soccer
CHARLESTON, S.C. – College of Charleston women's soccer head coach Christian Michner announced the hiring of Marykate Loper on Tuesday afternoon.
"We are really excited about MK joining our staff and what she will bring to Charleston women's soccer," said Michner. "Her experience in the ACC, the SEC and professionally will give us another dimension. She has seen the game at the highest levels, and we can draw on her experience to help continue our ascendance as a program. Mary Kate has an energy and positivity about her that is contagious and we are so excited that she is with us!"
Prior to Charleston, Loper played professionally for the Lexington Sporting Club in the USL Super League for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
"I am incredibly excited and grateful to be a part of the College of Charleston women's soccer program," said Loper. "I cannot thank Christian and Shanna enough for this opportunity, as well as for the mentorship they've already provided as I begin this journey."
Loper joined the Lexington Sporting Club following a fifth year with Ole Miss. In 2022 with the Rebels, Loper recorded a team-leading seven goals and four assists for a team-leading 18 points. She earned her master's in higher education from Ole Miss.
She earned her undergraduate degree in political science from Duke University where she played all four years. At Duke, Loper was named to the All-ACC Academic Team (2021), the ACC Academic Honor Roll (2021), and the Duke Nike Classic All-Tournament Team (2018). During her junior season, she was named ACC Offensive Player of the Week after scoring two goals, including the overtime game-winner against Wake Forest.
The Cougars have one more spring game scheduled for Saturday, April 11 at Wofford. Kickoff is set for 11:30 a.m.
For full coverage of Charleston women's soccer, follow us on X (@CofCWSOC) and Instagram (@CofCWSOC)
"We are really excited about MK joining our staff and what she will bring to Charleston women's soccer," said Michner. "Her experience in the ACC, the SEC and professionally will give us another dimension. She has seen the game at the highest levels, and we can draw on her experience to help continue our ascendance as a program. Mary Kate has an energy and positivity about her that is contagious and we are so excited that she is with us!"
Prior to Charleston, Loper played professionally for the Lexington Sporting Club in the USL Super League for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
"I am incredibly excited and grateful to be a part of the College of Charleston women's soccer program," said Loper. "I cannot thank Christian and Shanna enough for this opportunity, as well as for the mentorship they've already provided as I begin this journey."
Loper joined the Lexington Sporting Club following a fifth year with Ole Miss. In 2022 with the Rebels, Loper recorded a team-leading seven goals and four assists for a team-leading 18 points. She earned her master's in higher education from Ole Miss.
She earned her undergraduate degree in political science from Duke University where she played all four years. At Duke, Loper was named to the All-ACC Academic Team (2021), the ACC Academic Honor Roll (2021), and the Duke Nike Classic All-Tournament Team (2018). During her junior season, she was named ACC Offensive Player of the Week after scoring two goals, including the overtime game-winner against Wake Forest.
The Cougars have one more spring game scheduled for Saturday, April 11 at Wofford. Kickoff is set for 11:30 a.m.
For full coverage of Charleston women's soccer, follow us on X (@CofCWSOC) and Instagram (@CofCWSOC)
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