Coach Popejoy ’85 begins his first year as Head Coach. Previously, he spent two seasons at La Salle as the Varsity Assistant and JVA Head Coach.

Mike has over 25 years of soccer coaching experience including ten years collegiately between Xavier University and Mount Saint Joseph University. Previously, he coached with the United States Soccer Federation as a Regional Staff Coach and State of Ohio Head Coach. Mike earned a United States Soccer Federation National “B” Coaching License.

He coached at various head coaching positions for youth programs and local high schools since 1995 including Finneytown High School, Lakota East High School, Total Futbol Academy and Kings Hammer Academy. He has earned Conference, District and State Coaching Awards during his tenure.

During high school, Mike was a standout goalkeeper for La Salle, earning team and league awards. He graduated in ’85 and went on to play at Northern Kentucky University. He graduated from Mount Saint Joseph University with dual degrees in Physical Education and Health Education with a minor in Sports Medicine. He continued his education with a master’s degree in Education from Marygrove College in Detroit, MI. He is currently a Physical Education and Health teacher at Lakota East High School.

When asked what we should expect from the program this year, Mike replied, “Our players will be respectful, hardworking and will display great effort. We will play with a purpose. We have excellent student-athletes here at La Salle. Our staff’s purpose is to increase their ability and development by enhancing their mind, body and spirit through the sport of soccer. I want to create an atmosphere of unity amongst the staff, players, and players families. I want everyone to know they are all part of the La Salle Family, and we are all in this together. I’m very proud to be part of this culture, and proud to be part of this tremendous staff. We want the players and families to be proud, as well.”

Mike lives in Green Township with wife Peggy and three children: Elena, Ben ’22, and Erin. They are members of Our Lady of Visitation parish.