How will Texas women's soccer fare in the SEC? These foes look the toughest
Texas women’s soccer manager Angela Kelly, who spent 16 seasons coaching in the SEC, says the Longhorns’ newest conference has as much depth as any league in the nation.
Texas finished fourth in the Big 12 last season but won the tournament title, and the team enters this season ranked No. 17 by the United Soccer Coaches poll. The Longhorns are picked second in the SEC coaches' poll behind Arkansas.
Can the Longhorns contend for a conference championship in its first season in the SEC? Let’s look at five SEC sides who appear to be the Longhorns’ toughest competition:
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Georgia, 13-4-6 in 2023
The No. 14 Bulldogs, who beat Arkansas in the SEC Tournament title match last season, joined Mississippi State as the only SEC teams to reach the third round of last year’s NCAA Tournament. Third-year coach Keidane McAlpine, who led USC to a national title in 2016, may have his best Dawg side yet led by Nicole Vernis and Hannah White.
Arkansas, 15-5-2
Long known for their physical play, the No. 16 Razorbacks look well-equipped to defend their regular-season SEC title, which they’ve won in four of the past five years. All-American defender Kelsey Oyler transferred in from Gonzaga, and Ava Tankersley returns to spearhead the attack after tallying nine goals, 12 assists and SEC forward of the year honors in 2023.
Mississippi State, 12-6-5
Ranked No. 18, the Bulldogs look like a program on the rise after setting a school record with five SEC wins last season and earning their highest-ever NCAA seed, No. 6. Graduate student Macey Hodge holds everything together in the midfield.
More: Have questions as the Texas Longhorns football team enters the SEC? We have answers.
Alabama, 12-5-5
Coming off just their third appearance in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the No. 20 Tide must replace All-American midfielder Felicia Knox, but they do welcome back two-time All-SEC striker Gianna Paul. They also reloaded with eight freshmen and two talented transfers, including former North Carolina freshman standout Melina Rebimbas.
South Carolina, 12-3-6
The No. 21 Gamecocks have to find a new keeper but boast a veteran lineup with five fifth-year starters. Hallie Meadows, a 5-foot-11 center back, anchors arguably the best defense in the SEC; the Gamecocks had 13 shutouts last season and topped the conference with a goals-against average of .571.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 5 SEC women's soccer teams Texas must look out for in 2024
