Nine Bulldogs Earn SEC Awards, Armstrong Named Coach Of The Year

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Mississippi State soccer's 2024 season has been one for the record books, and the Southeastern Conference took notice in a major way. In a banner moment for the program, the Bulldogs earned an astounding collection of SEC awards, solidifying their place as a dominant force in collegiate soccer and celebrating an unprecedented sweep of major individual honors for MSU.

Head Coach James Armstrong was named SEC Coach of the Year, while Macey Hodge earned Midfielder of the Year, Maddy Anderson claimed Goalkeeper of the Year, and Rylie Combs took home Defender of the Year honors. These awards reflect a season defined by collective excellence, grit, and breakthrough performances, as Mississippi State ascended to its highest national ranking and set program records in every area.

A Transformational Leader: James Armstrong

Head Coach James Armstrong's recognition as SEC Coach of the Year caps an extraordinary season and a transformative journey. This year, he led the Bulldogs to the first SEC Regular Season Championship in program history, marking another milestone in Mississippi State's historic season. Armstrong's leadership was instrumental in guiding the team to a perfect conference record, making Mississippi State only the fourth program in SEC history to achieve this feat. Under his guidance, the Bulldogs allowed just two goals throughout SEC play, showcasing an exceptional defense that reflects Armstrong's meticulous approach and tactical vision.

Armstrong inherited a program that had only one season with a winning SEC record before his arrival in 2019. This season, his influence on the team was evident not only in Mississippi State's tactical prowess but also in their resilience and cohesion on the field. Armstrong's milestone year saw him become the all-time winningest coach in Mississippi State history, further cementing his legacy. The team's success, both offensively and defensively, underscores Armstrong's impact and sets a new standard for the program, positioning Mississippi State as a rising powerhouse in NCAA women's soccer.

Midfielder of the Year: Macey Hodge – The Bulldogs' Pulse on the Pitch

As a fierce competitor and inspirational leader, Macey Hodge has been the pulse of the Bulldogs' midfield, orchestrating plays and driving the team's success. Recognized as SEC Midfielder of the Year, Hodge's dynamic presence and game-changing abilities have made her a focal point on both ends of the pitch. Her defensive tenacity has stifled opponents, while her vision and creativity have sparked Mississippi State's offensive charge.

Hodge has been instrumental in building Mississippi State's possession game, executing crucial tackles, and threading pinpoint passes, often dictating the pace and rhythm of matches. Her relentless work rate and ability to shift from defense to attack seamlessly have made her invaluable, embodying the grit and resilience that define this historic Bulldog squad.

Goalkeeper of the Year: Maddy Anderson – A Brick Wall in Goal

In what has been a record-setting year for Mississippi State's defense, Maddy Anderson has been the backbone, leading the nation and conference in nearly every major goalkeeping category. Anderson's stellar performance has earned her the title of SEC Goalkeeper of the Year, a well-deserved recognition that underscores her importance to the Bulldogs' success.

Current NCAA Statistics for Maddy Anderson:

No. 3 in Goals Against Average (GAA) with 0.240 (allowing only 4 goals in 1,530 minutes).
No. 1 in Shutout Percentage at .824 (recording 14 shutouts in 17 games).
No. 1 in Win-Loss-Tie Percentage at .941 (16 wins, 1 loss, and 0 ties).
No. 1 in Save Percentage at .909 (4 goals allowed on 40 saves).

SEC Women's Soccer Conference Category Leaders (All Games)

No. 1 in Shutouts with 13.
No. 1 in Shutouts per Game with 0.76.
No. 1 in Save Percentage at .907.
No. 1 in Goals Against Average at 0.24.

SEC Women's Soccer Conference Individual Leaders (Conference Games)

No. 1 in Shutouts with 8.
No. 1 in Shutouts per Game with 0.80.
No. 1 in Save Percentage at .923.
No. 1 in Goals Against Average at 0.20.

With her consistent and commanding play, Anderson's presence in goal has been crucial in preserving narrow leads and maintaining Mississippi State's defensive dominance. Anderson's unmatched reflexes, positioning, and vocal leadership have rallied the defense and inspired confidence across the field. Each save and shutout contributes to her record-breaking season and underscores her as one of the nation's elite goalkeepers.

Defender of the Year: Rylie Combs – The Backbone of an Unbreakable Defense

As the anchor of Mississippi State's defense, Rylie Combs has redefined what it means to be a leader on the back line. Recognized as SEC Defender of the Year, Combs has been a force in shutting down some of the most potent offenses in the country. Combs' strategic positioning, expert tackling, and vocal presence have set the standard for Mississippi State's defensive prowess.

Combs' ability to read the game and anticipate opponents' moves paired with her athleticism and quickness have allowed her to recover and defuse dangerous situations effortlessly. Beyond her individual contributions, Combs has fostered a sense of unity and discipline among the Bulldogs' defense, building a wall that has proven nearly unbreakable. Her influence is evident in every clean sheet and every defensive stand that has defined Mississippi State's historic season.

First Team All-SEC Honors Reflect All-Around Excellence

The SEC further recognized Mississippi State's historic season with four Bulldogs earning First Team All-SEC honors. Joining Hodge, Anderson, and Combs on the First Team is forward Ally Perry, whose offensive prowess and finishing ability have been instrumental in key wins this season.

SEC Women's Soccer Conference Category Leaders (All Games) for Ally Perry:

No. 1 in Shots per Game at 4.18
No. 2 in Shots with 71
No. 9 in Points per Game at 1.24
No. 8 in Goals with 9
No. 8 in Goals per Game at 0.53
No. 9 in Points with 21

SEC Women's Soccer Conference Individual Leaders (Conference Games) for Ally Perry:

No. 1 in Shots per Game at 4.30
No. 1 in Shots with 43
No. 5 in Points per Game at 1.30
No. 3 in Goals with 6
No. 3 in Goals per Game at 0.60
No. 5 in Points with 13

Perry's relentless drive, skillful footwork, and goal-scoring touch added a crucial offensive dimension to Mississippi State's well-rounded roster. Her offensive prowess not only contributed to key victories but also placed her among the top forwards in the SEC, affirming her as one of the Bulldogs' essential playmakers this season.

Additional SEC Honorees: Second and Third Team All-SEC Selections

Mississippi State's depth of talent and team cohesion is underscored by multiple additional SEC selections. Zoe Main, Ilana Izquierdo, and Alexis Gutierrez each earned Second Team All-SEC honors, highlighting their indispensable roles in Mississippi State's game plan. Main and Izquierdo have brought stability and control to the Bulldogs' lineup, while Gutierrez has provided versatility and attacking support that consistently tested opposing defenses.

Aitana Martinez-Montoya earned a well-deserved spot on the Third Team All-SEC, showcasing her skill and tenacity in midfield and providing critical contributions in MSU's balanced approach. Kennedy Husbands was recognized on the All-Freshman Team, a nod to her promising start and potential to shape the future of Mississippi State soccer. Husbands' impact as a freshman is a testament to her skill, composure, and resilience, and her place among the conference's top young talent bodes well for the Bulldogs' future.

Setting a New Standard

This historic roundup of awards and All-SEC selections captures the spirit and magnitude of Mississippi State's 2024 season—a year marked by record-breaking achievements, an unshakeable defense, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The Bulldogs' commitment to team play, individual excellence, and the guidance of Coach James Armstrong has elevated the program to new heights, setting a standard for years to come.

As Mississippi State Soccer turns its sights toward postseason play, these SEC honors serve as both a celebration of this year's success and a testament to the Bulldog spirit that will drive them forward. The story of Mississippi State's 2024 season is one of transformation, resilience, and achievement on the biggest stages, securing the program's place among the elite in collegiate soccer.

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

– HailState.com –

Mississippi State University Athletics