DWS: Blue Devil Alumni Spotlight - Marykate McGuire Loper

DURHAM, N.C. -- Throughout the summer, GoDuke.com will continue to spotlight different Duke women's soccer alumni. Our next update is with Marykate McGuire Loper, a 2022 Blue Devil graduate. She appeared in 80 matches over four seasons to go along with 33 starts. Loper, originally from Portsmouth, Rhode Island, registered 19 goals, 16 assists and 54 points over her career.

GoDuke.com: You recently were named assistant women's soccer coach at the College of Charleston. How excited are you to start this new career path?

ML: I'm incredibly excited to step into this new role at the College of Charleston. It's a program with a strong culture and great success and I feel grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. I also want to sincerely thank Christian and Shanna for believing in me and giving me this opportunity, their support and mentorship mean a lot as I begin this next chapter.

College soccer had such a meaningful impact on my life, both on and off the field, so being able to stay in the game and now help guide and mentor student-athletes through their own journeys is truly special to me. I'm especially looking forward to building relationships with the players, contributing to the program's success, and continuing to grow as a coach alongside such a great staff.

This is a new chapter I'm really passionate about, and I can't wait to continue to grow on this journey.

GD: Did you always think you wanted to be a coach?

ML: Honestly, not always. While I've always loved the game and knew soccer would be a big part of my life, I didn't necessarily see coaching as the immediate path early on. I always knew I wanted to work in college athletics in some capacity, but it wasn't until I continued through my professional playing career that my perspective really shifted.

As I kept playing, I started to feel like coaching was where I could make a major impact. I had the opportunity to learn from some incredible coaches who influenced me not just as a player, but as a person and that stuck with me. It made me realize I wanted to have that same kind of influence on others.

The ability to build relationships, mentor student-athletes and help them grow both on and off the field is something that really drew me in. Once I saw how I could stay connected to the game while also making a meaningful difference, coaching became a path I felt truly passionate about pursuing.

GD: Do you plan on bringing any drills, etc., with you from your Duke days to the coaching ranks?

ML: Absolutely. My experience at Duke played a huge role in my development, so there are definitely several pieces I'll carry with me into my coaching. I was fortunate to be part of a program that emphasized a high standard in everything -- academics, training environment, attention to detail and competitiveness. The standard for everything was excellence and that's something I want to replicate.

Already, I've brought ideas and concepts from my time at Duke into my coaching. Not only certain drills or specific exercises, but principles and standards that really shaped me into who I am today. That foundation is something I'm really passionate about passing on, and I want to help build that same level of excellence within the student-athletes here at Charleston.

There are also specific training ideas I've been exposed to that are really effective, especially when it comes to game-realistic situations, decision-making and intensity. But more than anything, it's about creating an environment that challenges players every day and pushes them to grow, both on the field and in the classroom.

At the same time, I think it's important to adapt to the players you have and continue evolving as a coach. So, while Duke gave me an incredible foundation, I'm excited to keep building on that and shaping it in a way that best fits our program here at Charleston.

GD: You played professionally for a number of years before moving into coaching. How was that experience?

ML: It was an incredible experience and one that I'm really grateful for. Playing professionally challenged me in so many ways, both on and off the field, and helped me grow not just as a player, but as a person.

Duke really helped prepare me for the challenges that come with being a professional athlete. The standard there, both academically and athletically, set a foundation of discipline, accountability, and consistency that translated directly into the professional environment. It gave me the tools to handle the day-to-day demands and expectations of playing at that level.

I also had the opportunity to be around a lot of different coaches, teammates, and environments, which gave me a broader perspective on the game. Seeing different styles of play and coaching approaches helped shape how I think about the game now.

At the same time, it reinforced my passion for staying involved in soccer long-term. As I continued in my professional career, I realized coaching was a path where I could make a real impact, helping players grow and guiding them through experiences similar to the ones that shaped me. It made the transition into coaching feel very natural and it's something I'm really excited to carry forward.
Marykate McGuire Loper

GD: You married a former Duke student-athlete as well, do you both make it back to Durham any?

ML: We definitely try to get back to Durham when we can. It's a really special place for both of us, not just because of our sports, but because of the relationships and experiences we had there. Duke played such a big role in shaping who we are, so it will always feel like home in a lot of ways.
With both of our schedules it's not always easy, but whenever we do get the chance to go back, it's great to reconnect with coaches, friends, and just be around that environment again. It's something we both really value.

GD: By having a Duke degree, how much has that helped you over the years?

ML: Having a Duke degree has been invaluable over the years. Beyond just the academic knowledge, it's the standard of excellence and the culture of accountability that really carries through in every aspect of life. Duke challenged me to push myself, manage competing priorities, and approach everything with discipline and intentionality, skills that have been critical both in my professional playing career and now in coaching.

It's also opened doors in terms of networking and mentorship. The relationships I built there, with coaches, teammates, and alumni, have been supportive and influential as I've navigated different stages of my career. More than anything, it gave me a foundation for approaching challenges with confidence and resilience, which is something I strive to pass on to the student-athletes I coach today.

GD: What was one of the biggest challenges you faced moving from student-athlete to the professional world?

ML: One of the biggest challenges was adjusting to the level of independence and responsibility that comes with being a professional athlete. In college, a lot of your schedule, training, and support systems are structured for you, and while you're expected to take ownership, there's a built-in framework guiding you.

In the professional world, it's a whole new level, managing your own training, recovery, travel, and lifestyle while still performing at a high level on the field. There's also a mental shift: the stakes are higher, the competition is fiercer, and every decision, on or off the field, can impact your career.

That said, my time at Duke really prepared me for that challenge. The discipline, accountability, and standards instilled there gave me a foundation to navigate those demands and continue growing as both a player and a person.

GD: What advice would you give to any of the aspiring soccer players or current members of the Duke soccer team?

ML: I'd tell them to focus on building habits and standards that go beyond just what happens on the field. Work hard every day, be intentional with your training, and hold yourself accountable, not just in practice, but in the classroom and in life. Excellence is a mindset, and it's the small, consistent actions that really add up over time.

One of the biggest Duke women's soccer mindsets I carry with me today is a saying that's been part of the program for a long time: "be where your feet are." This is something I try to live by every day, and I truly believe that if soccer players embrace this, whether it's on the field, in the classroom, or socially, they'll be able to focus fully, perform at their best, and excel in all areas of life.

I'd also encourage them to embrace challenges and learn from setbacks. Soccer will test you in many ways, but those experiences are what shape you, not just as a player, but as a person.
Finally, value the relationships you build along the way. Coaches, teammates and mentors can have a lasting impact on your career and your life. Take the lessons you learn from them and look for ways to pay it forward, whether it's supporting teammates or eventually helping younger players as a coach.

If they can combine that mindset with the skills they're developing, they'll be well-prepared for whatever comes next, whether it's professionally, in soccer, or beyond.

GD: Looking back at your Duke soccer experience, what are some things that you look back on and cherish?

ML: Looking back at my Duke soccer experience, what I cherish most are the relationships I built, with teammates, coaches, and mentors. My teammates became like sisters and best friends and you don't fully realize how special that time is until it's gone. Four years pass in the blink of an eye, so it's important to appreciate every day and all the little moments.

It was a group of women coming together with a shared goal and a commitment to achieving it. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything because the friendships and bonds we formed last a lifetime. The memories are forever, and I truly was so blessed to play alongside such incredible women. Those connections taught me so much about teamwork, leadership and supporting one another through challenges, while also reinforcing lessons in discipline, accountability and striving for excellence in every aspect of life.

GD: Are you able to keep in touch with many Duke teammates/coaches?

ML: Absolutely. I talk to so many of my former teammates all the time. Whether it's connecting here and there to catch up or celebrating someone's wedding, it's always so special when we get together. We support each other in all areas of life. My former classmates are people I speak to often and hold very close to my heart.

I've also been fortunate to maintain wonderful relationships with my former coaches. Robbie Church has been a huge mentor and support system for me throughout my coaching journey so far. Additionally, having mentors and role models to look up to and connect with, such as Carla Overbeck and Kieran Hall, has also been an incredible blessing.

Being a part of Duke women's soccer is truly special, the relationships, lessons, and experiences go far beyond the four years you spend there. Those connections continue to inspire, guide and support me every day.

GD: Have you picked up any new hobbies/extracurriculars since graduating?

ML: Yes! Since graduating, I've really enjoyed spending more time outside and staying active. I love getting outdoors whenever I can, and I make fitness a big part of my routine, whether it's running, lifting, or just finding ways to challenge myself physically. Staying active this way not only helps me feel my best, but it also gives me a chance to recharge and stay energized for coaching.

GD: What goals or aspirations do you have for the future?

ML: Looking ahead, my biggest goal is to continue growing as a coach and make a meaningful impact on the student-athletes I work with. I want to help them develop not only as players but as people, guiding them to succeed on the field, in the classroom and in life.

Long term, I'd love to keep learning, taking on new challenges, and using the experiences I've had, both as a college athlete and as a professional, to mentor the next generation of players.
Ultimately, my aspiration is to leave a positive, lasting impact on the people and programs I'm a part of while continuing to grow personally and professionally.

To stay up to date with Blue Devils women's soccer, follow the team on X, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeWSOC".

#GoDuke

DWS: Blue Devil Alumni Spotlight - Marykate McGuire Loper

Related News

Related Videos

Duke information