Mississippi State Soccer Travels to the Grand Canyon State to Kickoff 2023-24 Athletics Year

PHEONIX, Ariz. – As anticipation builds for the 28th season of Bulldog soccer, State gears up to travel to Arizona for a pair of duels in the desert with the Lopes of Grand Canyon (Thursday) and the Sun Devils of Arizona State (Sunday).

The Bulldogs, led by Head Coach James Armstrong, are entering the new season with renewed determination and a roster brimming with talent. With a history of strong defensive plays and strategic attacks, the Bulldogs are poised to build on their NCAA tournament experience from a year ago.

Thursday will mark the inaugural encounter between MSU and Grand Canyon University. On the Lopes side, the 2023 Preseason All-WAC team has proudly included Gianna Gourley and Leah Pirro. Notably, Gourley has been designated as the Preseason Co-Offensive Player of the Year. This distinguished duo, consisting of a senior forward in Gourley and a sophomore midfielder in Pirro, stands among the esteemed 11 preseason honorees from the Lopes. With their leadership, the Lopes team is anticipated to excel, a sentiment echoed by their selection as the second-place prediction in the conference coaches' preseason polls this season.

For the Bulldogs, the spotlight shines brightly on five remarkable athletes included in the preseason All-SEC Watchlist. Maddy Anderson, Macey Hodge, Ilana Izquierdo, Haley McWhirter, and Maggie Wadsworth have all been chosen as the standouts to keep an eye on as the season unfolds. Notably, this marks a triumphant third consecutive preseason watch list selection for Maddy Anderson, and the second consecutive for both Macey Hodge and Haley McWhirter.

The Bulldogs return 22 Dawgs to the pitch this season from last year's squad. Notably, State returns 78% of goals scored in 2022, 77% of points scored and 71% of their shots on goals from last year's record-breaking squad. Last season, MSU captured their first wins in the SEC and NCAA Tournaments all while being cheered on by record-setting crowds of the Maroon and White faithful.

MSU'S SEC PLAYERS TO WATCH
Maddy Anderson: Senior Powerhouse Guarding the Record Books

Maddy Anderson, entering her senior season, stands as Mississippi State's record-holder for career shutout victories, an impressive 13. Over her remarkable journey of 43 matches, she has maintained an exceptional 1.03 goals-against average. Anderson's standout performance during the 2022 campaign resulted in a career-best goals-against average of 0.64, ranking second in the SEC and 25th in the NCAA. With a career record of 20-13-9 and 140 career saves, Anderson's prowess is undeniable.

Macey Hodge: Senior Dynamo and Team Captain

Macey Hodge, a senior with 51 matches under her belt, brings unmatched dynamism to the field. Having started in 50 consecutive matches since September 25, 2020, Hodge's consistency shines through. As a native of Douglasville, Ga., she served as team captain last season and continues to lead the team in 2023. Hodge's impactful contribution includes playing the second-highest minutes on the team in 2022 (1,926 minutes), aiding in seven shutout victories. She was integral in securing Mississippi State's inaugural SEC Tournament win and their first NCAA Tournament victory. Her stellar performance earned her a spot in the All-SEC Second Team, and she was honored as one of the Preseason Midfielders to Watch by the United Soccer Coaches (USC).

Ilana Izquierdo: Newcomer with a Trail of Triumphs

Ilana Izquierdo, joining the Maroon and White for her inaugural season in 2023, is set to make a splash. A transfer from Southern Miss, Izquierdo boasts a history as a two-time All-Conference standout and secured USC All-South Region Second Team honors as a freshman. Notably, she clinched the C-USA Freshman of the Year title in 2021. Having competed in 32 matches in her career, Izquierdo's impressive record includes nine goals, eight assists, and a total of 26 points.

Haley McWhirter: Junior Star from Magnolia, Texas

Haley McWhirter, the junior hailing from Magnolia, Texas, embarks on the 2023 season with 41 career matches under her belt. Her remarkable tally of 13 goals and seven assists has amassed to 33 points. In her debut season with MSU in 2022, McWhirter showcased her talents, securing a career-best seven goals and an additional career-high six assists. Her total points tally of 20 tied for the team lead, and she claimed the title of the team's assists leader.

Maggie Wadsworth: Sophomore Sensation Returns

Maggie Wadsworth, back for her sophomore season, is poised to build upon her incredible freshman year. The spotlight was on her as she led the Bulldogs with eight goals and tied for first in total points (20). Impressively, four of her eight goals were game-winners, showcasing her clutch performance. Her standout moment came with a memorable two-goal match, propelling State to a 2-0 victory over Arkansas. Her accomplishments were recognized with SEC Freshman of the Week honors twice and the prestigious College Soccer News National Player of the Week award.

For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU women's soccer on Twitter, like them on Facebook, and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateSoc."

– HailState.com –

Mississippi State University Athletics

Mississippi State Soccer Travels to the Grand Canyon State to Kickoff 2023-24 Athletics Year

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Players Mentioned

Maddy Anderson

Macey Hodge

Ilana Izquierdo

Haley McWhirter

Maggie Wadsworth

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