Five Freshmen Rewind the 2020 Season

Amidst a global pandemic, five Mississippi State freshmen took the field for the first time in their collegiate careers.

Here is a look into Maddy Anderson, Macey Hodge, Elle McCaslin, Marcella Cash and KK Pavatt's freshmen experience while playing for Mississippi State's soccer team.

Q: Why did you choose to continue your athletic career at MSU?
MA: "I chose to continue because it such a great environment here. I feel like I'm a part of a family outside of my own family. I wouldn't want to choose any other program, team or coaches. They are amazing."
MH: "It's a great environment. It's super competitive. Everyone pushes each other to be their best selves. It's a great program and we have great coaches."
All: "And a great support staff!"
MA: "Our fans are awesome too! They made us a Magnolia Cup case."

Q: How would you describe your transition from high school athletics to college sports?
EM: "The competition is very different. In high school, for me at least, it was kind of fun and chill. It was still an everyday thing, but only like an hour and a half or two-hour practice and then you could just go home. Here it's all day, every day. Different things every day. It's completely different from high school in every way."
MC: "In high school a lot of us were the best players. Then coming here and everyone was the best player where they went to high school brings a different level of competition to play at."

Q: Who has been most helpful in ensuring your transition was smooth?
All: "The upper-classmen students-athletes for sure!"
MA: "Honestly, everyone from the support staff, coaches, teammates on down. Everyone was extremely helpful. If we had any questions or needed anything, everybody was able to help us."

Q: What has been the biggest challenge thus far as a student-athlete?
In unison, they said "Time management."
KP: "Probably the transition. I come from a really big family, so going from a whole bunch of people in my house to just one person has been different. Then, having to do my own schedule and manage my timing."

Q: Each of you saw quite a bit of playing time this season. Did you have any first game jitters and how did you overcome them?
MA: "Oh yes, big pre-game jitters. When I got in the game, everything went away, and it wasn't that big of a deal. Before the game, there was so much anticipation. It seems like you're on a way bigger scale of soccer because it's televised and there are more fans. In high school, you have your family come, but here there's more students, faculty, and fans."
MH: "I remember the game we played against Auburn. I didn't start, but when my name was called, I remember thinking, 'Oh God, oh God, I don't think I'm ready for this.' When I got on the field, everything went away. You just get in your zone and find a rhythm, but at first you kind of freak out."
KP: "I think it also was harder because we didn't have any pre-season games to introduce us. We went straight to conference play."

Q: What is the biggest piece of advice you may have received from a coach, family member or friend that you've carried with you through this journey?
MH: "Come to practice ready to work every day and be inspired by those around you. Whenever someone gives you feedback take it positively because they want to see you get better and grow."
MA: "Like Macey said, come every day and work. Push yourself. When you push yourself, you are pushing others. When you all are working super hard, you're going to achieve great things."
EM: "Be confident and strong. Your teammates are going to get onto you, but you have to remember they still love you; they're just trying to help you and not hurt you."

Q: What has been your most memorable moment as a student-athlete so far?
In unison, they said "Winning the Magnolia Cup!"
MC: "I would also say Orange Beach."

Q: Outside of being soccer players, what other activities have you gotten involved in?
MA: "I've gotten into Fellowship of Christian Athletes [FCA]."

Q: Do you have a pre-game ritual? What do you do to get prepared for the game?
MH: "I usually take a about five minutes to myself. I'm a big meditation person, so I'll meditate for a minute and then visualize myself at what I'd be doing in the game."
MA: "I put on my headphones and listen to worship music. It puts me in the right mindset to focus on what I'm truly playing for and no matter the outcome of the game it's going to be ok."
EM: "I always put my right shin guard in before my left and if I don't, I have to take them off and do it again. The pre-game dances get us pumped as well."
KP: "It's always right sock, left sock, left shoe, right shoe every time for me."
MC: "I listen to music and try to visualize what outcomes I want in the game and my goals for that day."

Q: What would you say is the best part about competing?
EM: "Probably, the passion and the fire it brings. Everyone here is super competitive and it brings out the best in each of us. In practice, it's super tough but it pushes us to what we hope to succeed in."

Q: What does it mean to be a Bulldog?
In unison, they all agreed "Family."

The Mississippi State soccer team will start their spring season soon. Visit HailState.com for more information.

Mississippi State University Athletics

Five Freshmen Rewind the 2020 Season

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Maddy Anderson

Marcella Cash

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