February 2, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Kansas City Current News Release
KANSAS CITY – The Kansas City Current have signed forward Michelle Cooper, the second overall pick from the 2023 NWSL Draft, to a contract through the 2025 season. Cooper is the first player signed by the club from the 2023 draft class.
“When we drafted Michelle last month, we felt she was a player that could be central to this club for years to come,” said general manager Camille Levin Ashton. “Her strength on the ball and nose for the goal are incredible, and she also has shown a willingness and desire to learn and develop her game which can only make this club better going forward. We are collectively committed to helping her develop and achieve her goals., both on and off the pitch.”
“I am so excited to be part of this team,” said Cooper. “This organization is extremely special and has created an environment that I know will help me continue to grow as a player and a person. After what this team accomplished last season, I can’t wait for this one to start!”
Cooper entered the NWSL Draft following her sophomore season at Duke. In her two seasons as a Blue Devil she managed to score a goal or provide an assist in nearly 75% of the games she played. She was the ACC Freshman of the Year in 2021 and followed that up with the 2022 ACC Offensive Player of the Year.
In her sophomore season, she led the ACC with 19 goals, 11 assists and nine multi-point games. Her 49 points total points and seven multi-goal games also set a school record. Leading the Blue Devils to a 15-win season, Cooper earned 2022 First Team All ACC, 2022 ACC Offensive Player of the Year, 2022 First Team All American and the 2022 Hermann Trophy, given to the nation’s best collegiate soccer player every year. Overall, in her two seasons at Duke, Cooper scored a goal or provided an assist in nearly 75% of all the games she played.
Internationally, Cooper was part of the U.S. U-20 National Team, earning the Golden Boot (most goals) and Golden Ball (MVP) at the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Women’s Championship. She also provided a goal and assist as the U.S. won the 2022 Sud Ladies Cup in France and was a member of the U.S. team at the 2022 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
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