DURHAM, N.C.– Michelle Cooper’s journey culminated in a moment she had dreamt of for years when she scored her first goal for the United States Women’s National Team.
However, the celebrated goal, which took place on February 23, 2025, during the SheBelieves Cup against Australia, elicited no screams from Cooper; only silent tears held back by a wave of emotion.
“I wish I were mic’d up,” said Cooper while laughing at her reaction. “Nothing came out. It was complete silence, and I was choking back tears.”
Entering the match in the 62nd minute, the former Blue Devil and current forward for the Kansas City Current made an immediate impact on the field. Just six minutes later, Cooper scored, putting the U.S. ahead 2-0, a goal set up by Ally Sentnor and Gisele Thompson. This goal ultimately became the game-winner in a 2-1 victory.
For Cooper, this moment was years in the making. Her mother, who nearly missed the occasion, was miraculously able to watch her daughter achieve a lifelong dream.
“We were in tears, just staring at each other, completely speechless,” Cooper recalled.
Cooper’s rise to international soccer has been impressive, transitioning from setting records at Duke to donning the U.S. jersey and playing alongside her idols. Now with the Kansas City Current leading the NWSL, Cooper is not just chasing her dreams—she’s living them.
Before going professional, Cooper had already cemented her reputation in youth soccer. She was ranked as the 18th-best recruit nationally, excelling at IMG Academy where she captained her team and led as the top scorer during her junior and senior years.
At Duke, Cooper built on this success. In her freshman season, she scored 12 goals—the most by a freshman in Duke program history—and received accolades such as ACC Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-America honors. Her sophomore year was even more remarkable, recording 49 points, 19 goals, and 11 assists, making her the only player in the nation to rank in the top 10 in all three categories. She was awarded the prestigious Hermann Trophy.
“Her talent, work ethic, and humility represent the very best of women’s college soccer,” said then-Duke head coach Robbie Church, emphasizing Cooper’s exceptional presence both on and off the field.
Despite these accolades, Cooper knew this was just the beginning.
In 2023, she declared for the NWSL Draft, sacrificing her remaining college eligibility, and was selected second overall by the Kansas City Current. Her rookie season was challenging as she adapted to the professional pace, but this year, with the team fighting for playoff positions, her contributions have increased significantly.
“We’re getting every point we can this year,” Cooper said. “Last year we were really good, but we couldn’t always finish. This year, we’re doing the complete opposite.”
Under head coach Vlatko Andonovski, Cooper has made significant strides, attributing much of her improvement to his coaching. She’s learned to fine-tune her game and shift her mindset towards competition.
This year, Cooper experienced the ultimate honor for any soccer player when she received a call that changed her career. After returning from a preseason trip in Florida, she was at the baggage claim when Kansas City’s general manager, Caitlin Carducci, shared the news.
“We were waiting in the airport for our bags and she flipped her phone around and said ‘Congratulations,’ and I just started crying,” said Cooper, recalling the moment her name was confirmed on the official U.S. Women’s National Team roster.
At first, she didn’t fully grasp the situation. “I didn’t even know what she was talking about at first. I hadn’t gotten an email,” Cooper admitted.
While she was thrilled just to be on a preliminary roster, when Carducci revealed the final roster with Cooper’s name on it, emotions overwhelmed her. After sharing the news with her family, the realization of what she accomplished started to sink in.
Cooper acknowledged that her first experience with the U.S. National Team served as a significant learning opportunity.
“I didn’t play a bunch, and I’m okay with that. I think it helped ease me into that high and competitive environment,” she said.
Training alongside seasoned players who have achieved greatness in the sport was eye-opening.
“You see how seriously they take every rep, even in warmups,” Cooper observed. “It changes how you train. I brought that back to KC with me.”
Working under new U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Emma Hayes has also been transformative.
“She’s one heck of a coach,” Cooper remarked. “She knows how to rally a team, make you feel comfortable through the highs and lows. And with such a young roster now, that makes a big difference.”
Outside of soccer, Cooper’s growth is evident as well.
“I’m doing taxes. I just bought a house,” she said with a smile. “I’ve changed so much since Duke, but I still tell everyone: Duke is the happiest place on earth.”
Cooper maintains strong connections with her former Duke teammates, eagerly following their matches and looking forward to their upcoming season under new leadership.
Though she has already achieved so much, Cooper is focused on what lies ahead.
“My next goals are to continue growing, refining and showing up,” she stated. “I want to grow in the little details. I think that’s what’s going to keep me getting called into camps.”
From breaking records at Duke to scoring her inaugural goal with the U.S. Women’s National Team, Michelle Cooper is continuously evolving as both a player and a person while remaining grounded in her beginnings.
To keep up with the Blue Devils women’s soccer program, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook by searching ‘DukeWSOC’.
#GoDuke
image source from：goduke
