Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska-Kearney Athletic Director Dr. Paul Plinske announced today that Chloe Roberts has been elevated to head coach of the Loper women's soccer program.

An assistant coach at UNK the past three years, Roberts has led the current team through winter conditioning and spring ball. She also secured the signing of six high school seniors in February.

"Chloe has been with us for the last three years and rose above a very strong and deep pool of applicants to be named our head women's soccer coach," said Plinske.  "Over the past three months, she has shown steady resolve in securing a great 2017 recruiting class, developing our returning players and positioning herself to be the third head coach in school history."

Roberts joined UNK soccer in August of 2014 and served as a graduate assistant coach for two years. In the summer of 2016, she was elevated to assistant coach status. After John Maessner's departure in December, she was tabbed as interim head coach.

During her time in Nebraska, the Lopers have won 16 games, reached the 2015 MIAA Tournament and had 11 all-conference selections.

"I couldn't be more excited to have been named the UNK Soccer Head Coach. I would like to thank Dr. Paul Plinske and UNK for the opportunity I have been given," said Roberts. "I feel honored to be able to continue to work with such a talented group. With our existing players and incoming recruits, we are confident that with belief, work ethic, competitiveness and positivity we can continue to grow and develop. I look forward to leading this team to be the best student athletes they can be both on and off the field."

A native of England, Roberts had a storied NCAA Division II career playing for the University of North Alabama (UNA). The 2011 Daktronics Player of the Year, she was a four-time All-American who tallied a school-record 93 career goals. The Gulf South Conference Player (2011) and Freshman (2009) of the Year, Roberts helped the Lions win 68 games and make four NCAA Tourney appearances.

"Chloe shows a genuine concern for the student-athletes in her care. She has great passion for the game of soccer and is a disciplined and fundamentally sound coach. She also understands practice and game planning and her approach to teaching the game is exceptional," said Plinske. "Chloe is able to impart her expertise to the women on our roster that will make Loper soccer competitive for many years. I am very excited to add Chloe as another outstanding female leader in our Athletic Department. She is a special talent and will be an excellent head coach at UNK."

Tabbed as the Alabama Sports Writers Small College Athlete of the Year in 2011, she played professionally with the Colorado Rapids (2013) and Atlanta Silverbacks (2012). Prior to coming to the States, Roberts was on England Women's National Team (U-15-23's) from 2005-10 and earned a National Diploma in Sport Development from Duchy College in 2009.

Graduating from UNA in May 2013 with a Fitness Management Degree and holding a Master's in Exercise since from UNK, she was an intern at UNA from January-May 2013, assisting in practices and gaining coaching experience. Roberts also was an assistant coach for the U-16 team at the Shoals (Ala.) S.C. and coached at the U.S. Soccer Development program in Decatur, Ala.

UNK is currently at the end of its spring season. They host Doane University on Sunday, April 23rd, at Ron & Carol Cope Stadium at Foster Field.