Former Titan Named Head Soccer Coach At Benedictine University

Katie Berkopec, who compiled a 21-11-5 record as a goalkeeper for the UW-Oshkosh women's soccer team from 2010-13, was named Monday (Oct. 5) as the new head women's soccer coach at Benedictine University (Ill.).

"I am excited to welcome Katie to the Benedictine community," said Benedictine University Director of Athletics Paul Nelson. "She brings a wide array of experience that will be beneficial to our student-athletes within the women's soccer program and throughout the entire department."

Berkopec comes to Benedictine University after spending four years as an assistant coach at NCAA Division I Loyola University Chicago (Ill.).

"I want to thank Paul Nelson and the entire Benedictine athletics department for this opportunity to lead the women's soccer program," Berkopec said. "As soon as I stepped on campus, I could feel a family-like environment from the coaches and players. I am excited to get started and help the team grow and develop on and off the field as student-athletes."

Loyola posted three consecutive winning seasons with Berkopec on staff, amassing nearly 40 victories. Loyola won back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference regular season and tournament titles in 2018 and 2019, reaching the NCAA postseason each year. Loyola achieved success on and off the field, with 12 players boasting a 4.0 grade point average over four semesters.

Berkopec's coaching experience spans all levels of the NCAA. The Apple Valley, Minn., native also served as a graduate assistant coach at Division II Winona State University (Minn.) during the 2015 and 2016 seasons and as an assistant coach at Division III Ripon College in 2014.

Berkopec appeared in 47 career matches for UW-Oshkosh and registered a 1.03 goals against average in 3,598 minutes played. As a senior, she posted an impressive 1.12 goals against average en route to finishing the year with a 9-6-2 record that featured seven shutout performances.

Berkopec earned her bachelor's degree in physical education from UW-Oshkosh in 2015.

Courtesy of Benedictine University Sports Information