Four Bulldogs Tabbed To SEC Preseason Watch List
August 10, 2026 | Soccer
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Four Mississippi State soccer players have been tabbed to the SEC's Preseason Watch List, the league office announced on Monday. State is represented by Laila Murillo along with newcomers Hailey Johnson, Kyli Switalski and Ashley Tutas.
Murillo scored three goals in her freshman campaign in 2025. She played in every match, starting the final five in a row and set a career high in either minutes or shots in three of four postseason matches. Last year, the Dallas, Texas, native earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors in September after registering a brace at Texas.
Johnson was a standout at Lipscomb over the past two years before following head coach Kevin O'Brien to Mississippi State. The senior tallied a team-leading 10 goals, 22 points and 47 shots last fall on her way to First Team All-ASUN and Second Team All-Region honors. She has been named a team captain in her first season at State.
Switalski spent her first three seasons at App State where she played in 34 matches, making 25 starts across the last two years. She ranked third on her cub last season with three goals and seven points. Switalski has registered 14 career points.
Tutas came to Starkville following stints at both Oklahoma and Florida. The fifth-year is one of State's most-experienced pieces entering 2026. She scored her first career goal last season and has become a key piece of MSU's new-look back line for 2026.
The Bulldogs open the 2026 season on Wednesday, Aug. 12 hosting South Alabama at 6 p.m. CT. Fans not in attendance can watch the match on SEC Network+.
For more information on the Bulldog soccer program, follow on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSOC."
Murillo scored three goals in her freshman campaign in 2025. She played in every match, starting the final five in a row and set a career high in either minutes or shots in three of four postseason matches. Last year, the Dallas, Texas, native earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors in September after registering a brace at Texas.
Johnson was a standout at Lipscomb over the past two years before following head coach Kevin O'Brien to Mississippi State. The senior tallied a team-leading 10 goals, 22 points and 47 shots last fall on her way to First Team All-ASUN and Second Team All-Region honors. She has been named a team captain in her first season at State.
Switalski spent her first three seasons at App State where she played in 34 matches, making 25 starts across the last two years. She ranked third on her cub last season with three goals and seven points. Switalski has registered 14 career points.
Tutas came to Starkville following stints at both Oklahoma and Florida. The fifth-year is one of State's most-experienced pieces entering 2026. She scored her first career goal last season and has become a key piece of MSU's new-look back line for 2026.
The Bulldogs open the 2026 season on Wednesday, Aug. 12 hosting South Alabama at 6 p.m. CT. Fans not in attendance can watch the match on SEC Network+.
For more information on the Bulldog soccer program, follow on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSOC."
Players Mentioned
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