Historic Trio: Hodge, Anderson, Combs Named United Soccer Coaches All-Americans
December 06, 2024 | Soccer
STARKVILLE — The accolades keep rolling in for Mississippi State soccer's historic 2024 season. For the first time in program history, the Bulldogs boast three United Soccer Coaches All-Americans, with Macey Hodge, Maddy Anderson, and Rylie Combs earning prestigious national honors. Hodge serves as Mississippi State's first-ever First Team All-American, Anderson marks the first-ever Second Team member, and Combs was named to the Third Team, cementing their legacies as some of the greatest players ever to wear the Maroon and White.
A season for the record books deservedly places Macey Hodge at the pinnacle of national recognition. The senior midfielder, already the first Bulldog named SEC Midfielder of the Year and a MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist, showcased unparalleled dominance in the heart of the pitch. Known for her relentless engine, impeccable vision, and ability to dictate the tempo, Hodge played an instrumental role in Mississippi State's rise to national prominence.
Hodge's impact extended far beyond the stat sheet, but her numbers were impressive nonetheless. Hodge led the Bulldogs in assists while contributing key goals in critical moments throughout the season. More importantly, Hodge served as the turnstile that helped swap the field quickly as the offense outscored opponents 29-2 in SEC play, leading State to an undefeated conference season and the program's first-ever SEC Regular Season Championship.
Maddy Anderson continues to prove why she is one of the most decorated goalkeepers in the nation, earning her place on the All-America Second Team. The graduate standout was a brick wall between the posts, finishing the season as the NCAA leader in shutout percentage and goals-against average.
Anderson's ability to command her penalty area, combined with her elite shot-stopping skills, played a pivotal role in the Bulldogs' defensive dominance. She recorded 14 shutouts (16 combined) in 2024, as Mississippi State's defense became the most impenetrable in the country.
Anderson earned SEC Goalkeeper of the Year honors, further etching her name into the program's history books with a career that is unparalleled in Bulldog soccer lore. Her leadership and consistency were foundational in Mississippi State's historic campaign.
As the leader of the nation's top defensive unit, Rylie Combs was named to the All-America Third Team, capping a season defined by grit and dominance. The defender, who earned SEC Defender of the Year honors, was the cornerstone of a backline that allowed just two goals in SEC play and recorded a program-best 16Â clean sheets.
Combs' ability to read the game, combined with her physicality and composure under pressure, neutralized some of the nation's most dangerous attacking threats. Her contributions were not limited to defense; she also delivered timely goals and assists, further showcasing her versatility and value to the team.
Her leadership in the backline was evident in every match, as Mississippi State's defense became the foundation of the Bulldogs' success, earning national recognition as one of the most formidable units in collegiate soccer.
The trio's All-America honors represent a watershed moment for Mississippi State soccer, further elevating the program to national prominence.Â
The Bulldogs' achievements on the field were matched by their impact off it, as the trio also excelled academically and served as leaders in the locker room. Their recognition as All-Americans underscores the transformative growth of the Mississippi State soccer program, which has set new standards for success and established itself as a powerhouse in collegiate soccer.
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