Former Titan Named Loyola University Assistant Soccer Coach

Former UW-Oshkosh goalkeeper Katie Berkopec has been named an assistant women's soccer coach at NCAA Division I Loyola University (Ill.).

"After an extensive interview process, I truly believe that we have found the right fit for both our women and our program in Katie," Loyola University head women's soccer coach Barry Bimbi said. "She is a very motivated and energetic coach that will push our goalkeepers every day. I have no doubt that she is going to hit the ground running and will contribute to our program from day one."

Berkopec arrives at Loyola University following a two-year stint at Winona State University (Minn.) as a graduate assistant coach. In 2015, she was part of a staff that helped guide the Warriors to a third consecutive appearance in the NCAA Division II Championship. Berkopec assisted in the development of goalkeeper Rachel Oleson, who posted 11 shutouts and sported a 0.69 goals against average that ranked 26th nationally in 2015.

Prior to a one-year stint at Ripon College as an assistant coach, Berkopec enjoyed a successful tenure at UW-Oshkosh as both a player and coach. As a senior, she posted an impressive 1.12 goals against average and held a 0.817 save percentage en route to finishing the year with a 9-6-2 record that included seven shutout performances. Following graduation, Berkopec remained at the school to coach the goalkeepers during the spring of 2014.

Berkopec, an Apple Valley, Minn, native, earned her bachelor's degree in physical education from UW-Oshkosh in 2015 before earning a master's degree in education leadership at Winona State University.

"I am very excited to be joining the team here at Loyola University," Berkopec commented. "With Coach Bimbi and Coach (Franky) Pelaez, I am looking forward to building on the success of previous years and helping to take the team to a championship level. It will be a thrill to be training with a such great group of women both on and off the field."

Loyola University is set to return 20 letter winners, including a pair of All-Missouri Valley Conference selections, from last season's team that advanced to the semifinals of the Missouri Valley Conference Championship.

Courtesy of Loyola University sports information