Mississippi State Soccer Exports 11 Players to Professional Leagues Worldwide
Mississippi State University has become a significant exporter of professional soccer talent, with 11 alumni currently active across various leagues worldwide, according to a recent update from the Bulldogs’ athletic department.
Among those, nine players are actively competing in seasons that began earlier this year. These include Maddy Anderson, a goalkeeper for Racing Lens in France’s Première Ligue, who has made two appearances in February. Anderson’s season totals include eight games played with a 3.63 goals-against average.
Rylie Combs, who plays for Eskilstuna United in Sweden’s Elitettan, helped her team win the league title in 2025 and secure promotion to the Damallsvenskan. She appeared in 20 matches last season and played in 19 this year, contributing two goals and two assists.
Other notable alumni include Macey Hodge, who was traded to Racing Louisville FC in the National Women’s Soccer League. She signed a contract through 2027 with an option for 2028, after 16 appearances last season. Ilana Izquierdo currently plays for Tigres UANL in Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil, participating in 18 matches this season and contributing two goals and one assist.
Lexington SC’s Hannah Johnson has been a consistent presence in the USL Super League, making 16 appearances and recording two assists. She maintains a high success rate in tackles and passing, helping her team to a second-place standing with 30 points.
Other players, such as Aitana Martinez-Montoya and Ruthny Mathurin, are also active in European leagues, though their seasons are ongoing or currently paused. Martinez-Montoya plays in Portugal, while Mathurin recently transferred to Spain’s Alhama Club de Futbol.
Several alumni are also in the early stages of their professional careers, including Ally Perry, who debuted for Juventus FC in Italy’s Serie A, and Kennedy White, a key player for Melbourne Victory in Australia’s A-League. White has scored eight goals this season and was named Player of the Month in November.
Mississippi State’s soccer program continues to develop top talent, with players advancing to competitive leagues across the globe. For more updates, fans are encouraged to follow the program on social media platforms under the handle “HailStateSOC.”
Source: Original Article
