Mississippi State
19-3-0, 10-0-0
Notre Dame
14-3-4, 5-1-4
Mississippi State Soccer Concludes Historic Season In The Sweet 16
November 24, 2024 | Soccer
STARKVILLE– The most remarkable season in Mississippi State's soccer history came to a close on Sunday as the Bulldogs fell 2-0 to Notre Dame in the NCAA Sweet 16 at the MSU Soccer Field. While the result marked the end of their postseason run, it did little to diminish the accomplishments of a team that shattered program records and established itself as one of the premier programs in the nation.
The Bulldogs rewrote the history books this season, achieving milestones that had once seemed unattainable. Mississippi State captured its first SEC Regular Season Championship with a flawless 10-0-0 conference record, becoming only the fourth program in SEC history to accomplish the feat. Finishing the regular season ranked in the top-five nationally, the Bulldogs' 19-3-0 record marks the highest win total in school history. Under the leadership of Head Coach James Armstrong, who became the program's all-time winningest coach this year, the team established itself as a powerhouse on the national stage.
A cornerstone of the Bulldogs' success was their staunch defense, which led the nation in shutout percentage and goals-against average. In conference play, Mississippi State conceded just two goals, frustrating even the most prolific offenses in the SEC. Meanwhile, their dynamic attack and relentless work ethic made the Bulldogs a formidable opponent on every pitch they stepped onto.
At the heart of Mississippi State's rise was an unshakable bond with the Starkville community. The Bulldogs fed off the electric atmosphere at MSU Soccer Field, where they enjoyed a 16 match unbeaten streak that included 14 consecutive victories that stretched back to last season. Over the course of 2024, fans packed the stands, culminating in eight consecutive top-10 crowds and four separate all-time attendance records. The second-largest crowd in program history (3,772) was on hand for the Sweet 16. The energy and support from the Maroon and White faithful created an intimidating home-field advantage that inspired the team and helped them deliver unforgettable performances.
For many, this season was about more than wins and records—it was about creating a sense of pride and belonging on the national stage that extended beyond the team. Families, students, and local supporters rallied behind the Bulldogs, making each game a celebration of soccer and community. The program's success brought national attention to Starkville, and the growing fan base ensured that every step of the journey was shared with those who made it possible.
While the 2024 season has come to a close, the legacy of this team will resonate far beyond the final whistle. Mississippi State soccer has set a new standard, not just for athletic excellence, but for the connection between a team and its community. As the Bulldogs look to build on their success, the impact of this year's accomplishments will serve as a foundation for continued growth, ensuring that the bond between Mississippi State and Starkville remains unbreakable.
Quoting Head Coach James Armstrong:
On Coaching Such A Special Team
JA: "Coaching is such a reward when you're surrounded by incredible people. Macey's [Hodge] story is a testament to that. These girls put so much effort and hard work into what they do every day. It's an honor to coach them, and the big thing for our staff is that we get to prepare them for life. Like Macey said, soccer's the bonus, but when you get to see them grow as people, you see the impact that they have on everybody they're around. I mean, I've got a daughter who's eight years old, and they're unbelievable role models for her as well as for the rest of the community. Macey, Maddy [Anderson] and all of the other seniors, they talk about the impact that this program has had on them. They also need to remember the impact they've had on this program. It's a privilege and an honor and these two young ladies are a perfect example of why we do what we do."
Quoting Maddy Anderson:
On Her Mississippi State Journey
MA: "It's just been a blessing. Looking back from our first year to now, I never would've thought that we'd be SEC Champs, go 10-0 in SEC play and get to the Sweet 16 for the second year in a row. It's so amazing to watch the growth of this team as a whole, and the growth of the program and just the growth of the community around soccer in Starkville. I'm so thankful I got to be a part of it."
Quoting Macey Hodge:
On Her Mississippi State Journey
MH: "It's amazing to have been a part of. I think what's even more special is the locker room and the connections made in the locker room. We just talked about it, but you can see culture-wise from the first year to now, the sisterhood that's been created over the past five years. I think that translates into what we did this year. ere's a true love and belief in one another in that locker room, and it's special. Just like Maddy [Anderson] said, it's special to have that belief and love translate into the community. em seeing that and feeding off that and becoming a part of that inner circle with us. Really, aside from the soccer standpoint, what I've seen grow so much is the locker room culture and the true sisterhood aspect of it all. at's been something we'll never forget, as rewarding as being on the field has been."
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 –
Team Stats
Izzy Engle (19)
Assisted By: Lily Joseph
GOAL by ND Engle, Izzy Assist by Joseph, Lily.
24:14
Grace Restovich (5)
GOAL by ND Restovich, Grace.
29:50
