Continuing To Create A Legacy

STARKVILLE – When James Armstrong was named as the sixth head coach for the Mississippi State program in 2019, he arrived with clear goals in mind.

Armstrong wanted to build a long-lasting culture and accomplish unprecedented feats alongside his gifted staff.

In just five years at the helm for the Bulldogs, Armstrong has done just that.

Under a full moon and chilly, fall weather at the Ole Miss Soccer Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi, last Friday night, State captured its fifth consecutive Magnolia Cup win over the Rebels in historic fashion.

"Neither program has won it five times in a row, so credit to all the players and staff," Armstrong said following the win. "They did an unbelievable job preparing for a good Ole Miss team. Everything you prepare for goes out the window in rivalry games. It was a bloodbath out there from the first second to the last second."

The MSU soccer program has become accustomed to recording firsts under Armstrong. State's biggest crowd in program history came this season in the 1-0 victory over No. 1 Arkansas, which was the first victory over a top-ranked team in the State club's history.

Armstrong has led an incredible roster of talent to back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including the program's first-ever Sweet 16 last season.

But Armstrong remains incredibly humble through all the success. Anytime he walks up to the fans that line the fence at the MSU Soccer Field after a Bulldog victory, Armstrong gives the fans a firm handshake and thanks them for coming out. It is a sign of genuine gratitude for the support of what he has worked countless hours to build at MSU.

The train does not stop, however. If anything, the hours continue to get longer, and the work consistently becomes harder.

That's not a bad thing at all. The increasing workload is due to the competitive nature that Armstrong has built within State's soccer program.

That competitive spark shined as bright as the stars that filled the night sky in the 31st meeting between the Bulldogs and the Rebels.

"I think it's important that these players realize how much hard work they have put in, to create a legacy in terms of the Magnolia Cup," Armstrong said. "Five times in a row is impressive and I hope they realize that. I hope they celebrate this win, this moment. [They got the weekend off] and we'll get back after it for Kentucky on Thursday."

The next-game-up mentality has rang as loudly as the thousands of fans that fill the stands and the students that continue to display their support for the program in the west end of the MSU Soccer Field every night.

Another victory in the win column is important, but now, the Bulldogs are shifting their focus to the next opponent on the schedule. It is one game at a time, one moment at a time and one goal at a time that has led to 10 wins in a row and 13 on the season, which ties a program-best.

There is no doubting the work that Armstrong and the talented roster of players and staff have put in each week to build this foundation brick-by-brick.

The culture was formulated with the help of talented and dedicated athletes like Maddy Anderson, Macey Hodge, Riley Combs and so many others who have been with the program since the very beginning.

Everyone has played a part in igniting the flame of passion for fútbol in Starkville. With three games remaining this season and potential postseason action on the horizon, there is still much soccer to be played and more memories to be made on the pitch in 2024.

"To have them continue to support us, continue to push us, means everything," Armstrong said following a dominant 5-0 shutout over Missouri on Sunday, Oct. 13. "I think the Mississippi State fan base is starting to take notice. [I'm] so, so proud. We've talked about this since the beginning. The girls are doing a good job of putting the product on the field for the Mississippi State fan base to be proud of."

Mississippi State University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Maddy Anderson

Macey Hodge

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