DETROIT (12-20-24) – Detroit Mercy men's soccer sophomore midfielder
Josh Copeland was drafted by the Colorado Rapids with the 26th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, becoming the first student-athlete in program history to be drafted in the first round, and the second to be drafted, following Adam Bedell who was taken in the third round (45th pick overall) by the Columbus Crew in 2014. The last Detroit Mercy student-athlete to be drafted in the first round of any professional draft was Kyle Waters, who was selected sixth overall in the National Lacrosse League.
"First and foremost, I can't thank my family enough for all the continuous support and sacrifices they make for me, this wouldn't be possible without them," said Copeland. "I also want to give a huge shoutout to all my coaches over the past years from Liverpool, Brother Rice, and now Detroit Mercy for the opportunities they have given me. I'm looking forward to my next chapter with Colorado and can't wait to be a part of this amazing organization."
"Today is an awesome day for
Josh Copeland! He embodies everything that is great about Detroit Mercy men's soccer," said Head Coach
Nate Kopunek. "He stayed committed to this program and worked extremely hard, and it is a fantastic honor to get drafted as just a sophomore. He is one of the most hard-working and dedicated young men I've had the pleasure of coaching. This means a lot for Josh, our program, and UDM."
"This shows we've been able to develop talent at Detroit Mercy, as well as the work Josh has put in on and off the field as a stellar student-athlete," added Kopunek. "He's been a fantastic ambassador for the program, carrying a 3.68 GPA while performing as an All-Horizon League Team selection.
"This is a great success story as a local kid from Brother Rice High School to Detroit Mercy to get drafted. We couldn't be any prouder of the young man."
Academic Achievements:
GPA: 3.68
Major: Biology
• 2024 College Sports Communicators Academic (CSC) Academic All-District® NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Team selection.
• Horizon League Fall and Spring Honor Roll selection.
• Two-time Detroit Mercy Athletic Director Honor Roll selection.
2024 Highlights:
• Started in all 17 games
• 2024 #HLMSOC All-League Third Team selection
• Finished tied for the team lead in assists (5 – T-3rd HL), and tied for second in points (11) and goals (3).
• Recorded fifth assist against arch-rival Oakland (11/5).
• Came up clutch scoring the equalizer helping the Titans escape with a 1-1 draw and a crucial #HLMSOC point at Robert Morris (11/1).
• Added fourth assist on the equalizer in a 1-1 draw at PFW (10/19).
• Posted third assist helping UDM secure a 2-1 win over Milwaukee (10/12) for the first #HLMSOC win of the season.
• Netted his first goal of the season from redshirt junior
Ryan Sanborn's first career assist in a Titan uniform for UDM's first victory of the season at EIU (8/26).
• Added second goal against Chicago State (9/2).
• Posted first assist at Green Bay (9/14) and second at Notre Dame (9/24).
2023 Highlights:
• Started in all 18 games
• Posted his first career goal in the Titans' 2-1 win against EIU (9/19).
• Recorded first career assist on the game-winning goal in UDM's 3-2 win over CSU (9/16).
