Mississippi State Exports 11 Players to Professional Soccer Leagues Worldwide in 2026
Mississippi State has become one of the leading exporters of pro soccer talent, with 11 former Bulldogs currently signed to professional clubs worldwide, according to the school’s communications director, Brian Ogden.
Among the players, Maddy Anderson is competing with Racing Lens in France’s Première Ligue. She did not see game action in April, but the team is fighting to avoid relegation as the season concludes.
Rylie Combs continues her season with Eskilstuna United in Sweden’s Damallsvenskan. The team earned promotion after winning the Elitettan last year and holds a 2-1-0 record this season, with Combs participating in two matches.
In the United States, Macey Hodge plays for Racing Louisville FC in the National Women’s Soccer League. She has appeared in seven games, including Louisville’s first win of the season on April 29, and has been traded after her rookie season with Angel City FC.
Ilana Izquierdo is with Tigres UANL in Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil. She played 14 minutes in Tigres’ playoff loss in May after participating in 22 games during the season, scoring two goals.
Other Bulldogs in professional ranks include Hannah Johnson at Lexington SC in the USL Super League, Aitana Martinez-Montoya with Racing Power FC in Portugal, Ruthny Mathurin at Alhama Club de Futbol in Spain, and Gwen Mummert at FC Carl Zeiss Jena in Germany. Each player has contributed to their teams’ standings, with varying degrees of action this season.
Kennedy White remains in Australia with Melbourne Victory FC, where she has played 22 games and scored eight goals, helping the team reach the A-League playoffs. The team finished sixth in the regular season and advanced past the elimination round.
Other players, including Ally Perry at Juventus in Italy and Catalina Perez in France, have seen limited or no game action this season. Racing Strasbourg and Alhama Club also feature Bulldogs, though their seasons are nearing completion or have been less active.
Mississippi State continues to monitor and support its alumni, with updates available on social media platforms under the handle “HailStateSOC.”
Source: Original Article
