Marykate McGuire Loper, a distinguished graduate of Duke University‘s women’s soccer program, has embarked on a new chapter in her career as an assistant coach at the College of Charleston. With an impressive collegiate career spanning 80 matches, 19 goals, and 16 assists, Loper brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the game to her new role.
Her journey from the field to the sidelines is a testament to her passion for soccer and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of athletes. Loper’s transition is not just a career move but a continuation of her dedication to the sport that has shaped her life.
Embracing a New Role
Loper’s excitement about her new position at the College of Charleston is palpable. She describes the program as having a strong culture and great successwhich aligns perfectly with her own values and aspirations. The opportunity to mentor student-athletes and help them navigate their journeys is something she finds truly special.
“I’m incredibly excited to step into this new role at the College of Charleston,” Loper shared. “It’s a program with a strong culture and great success, and I feel grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.” Her gratitude extends to her mentors, Christian and Shanna, whose support and mentorship have been instrumental in her transition.
A Shift in Perspective
Loper’s path to coaching was not always clear. While she has always loved the game, her initial plans did not necessarily include coaching. However, her professional playing career provided her with a broader perspective and a deeper appreciation for the impact that coaching can have on players’ lives.
“I didn’t necessarily see coaching as the immediate path early on,” Loper admitted. “But as I kept playing, I started to feel like coaching was where I could make a major impact.” The influence of her own coaches, who shaped her both as a player and as a person, inspired her to pursue a career in coaching. The ability to build relationships and mentor student-athletes is what drew her to this path.
Bringing Duke’s Legacy to Charleston
Loper’s experience at Duke has had a profound impact on her approach to coaching. The high standard of excellence that Duke emphasizes in academics, training, and competitiveness is something she aims to replicate at the College of Charleston. She plans to bring specific drills, exercises, and principles from her time at Duke to her new role.
“I was fortunate to be part of a program that emphasized a high standard in everything,” Loper explained. “The standard for everything was excellence, and that’s something I want to replicate.” She also emphasizes the importance of adapting to the players she has and continuing to evolve as a coach. This balance of tradition and innovation is key to her coaching philosophy.
The Professional Journey
Loper’s professional playing career was a transformative experience. It challenged her in numerous ways, both on and off the field, and helped her grow as a player and a person. The discipline, accountability, and consistency she learned at Duke prepared her for the demands of professional soccer.
“Playing professionally challenged me in so many ways,” Loper reflected. “It helped me grow not just as a player, but as a person.” Her professional career also gave her the opportunity to learn from different coaches and teammates, broadening her perspective on the game. This experience has been invaluable in shaping her approach to coaching.
The Duke Connection
Loper’s connection to Duke extends beyond her playing days. She is married to a former Duke student-athlete, and they both cherish the memories and relationships they built during their time at the university. They make it a point to return to Durham whenever possible to reconnect with coaches, friends, and the environment that shaped them.
“Duke played such a big role in shaping who we are,” Loper said. “It will always feel like home in a lot of ways.” The relationships she built at Duke, with teammates, coaches, and mentors, have had a lasting impact on her life and career. These connections continue to inspire and guide her.
Advice for Aspiring Players
Loper has valuable advice for aspiring soccer players and current members of the Duke soccer team. She emphasizes the importance of building habits and standards that go beyond just what happens on the field. Hard work, intentional training, and accountability are key to success.
“I’d tell them to focus on building habits and standards that go beyond just what happens on the field,” Loper advised. “Excellence is a mindset, and it’s the small, consistent actions that really add up over time.” She also encourages players to embrace challenges and learn from setbacks, as these experiences shape them both as players and as people.
One of the mindsets she carries with her from Duke is “be where your feet are.” This philosophy emphasizes the importance of focusing fully on the task at hand, whether it’s on the field, in the classroom, or in social settings. Loper believes that embracing this mindset can help players perform at their best and excel in all areas of life.
Looking Ahead
As Loper looks to the future, her goal is to continue growing as a coach and making a meaningful impact on her student-athletes. She wants to help them develop not only as players but as people, guiding them to succeed on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
“Looking ahead, my biggest goal is to continue growing as a coach,” Loper stated. “I want to help them develop not only as players but as people.” Her long-term aspiration is to leave a positive, lasting impact on the people and programs she is a part of while continuing to grow personally and professionally.
Marykate McGuire Loper’s journey from Duke soccer star to assistant coach at the College of Charleston is a testament to her passion for the game and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of athletes. Her unique background and perspective make her a valuable addition to the College of Charleston’s coaching staff, and her impact on the program and its players is sure to be significant.
