Photo provided Sydni Wilson
Cameron Adams
Sports Editor
Jackson State University’s Women’s soccer team capped off their dominant 2022 season as champions of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
On Nov. 6, the Lady Tigers were crowned the 2022 SWAC champions after going into overtime against Grambling State University.
At the end of the regular season, the 2022 SWAC Postseason Honors ceremony was held in Houston, Texas on Nov. 2.
After leading the Tigers to a 7-1-1 conference record, head coach, Dr. Theodore Flogaites was named SWAC Soccer Coach of the Year. Coach Flogaites has now earned this award in three separate conferences.
Sophomore Tionna Taylor was crowned SWAC Goalkeeper of the Year thanks to her tremendous effort at stopping the ball. She has only allowed one goal in nine conference matches. She also holds the number one spot in the conference for goals-against average (1-11).
Jackson State had three members selected for All SWAC First Team honors. Defender Ayanna Pinder, midfielder Sage Margruder, and Tionna Taylor were all met with First Team accolades.
Defender Sydni Wilson, forward Annalise Brunson and midfielder Chantae Blackwood were credited with All-SWAC Second Team honors.
Sydni Wilson was also named SWAC’s Defensive Player of the Year. Wilson’s defensive efforts played a key factor in the Tigers’ defense that only allowed two goals in conference action. JSU’s defense shutout six straight conference opponents, including seven shutouts in nine SWAC matchups.
Wilson reflected on what winning the award meant to her as a graduating senior.
“I feel very honored to be chosen as the Defensive Player of the Year. It’s a surreal feeling to be voted across the SWAC as one of the best defenders in the conference,” stated Wilson. “As a senior, it’s a nice way to be rewarded for your efforts on the pitch.”
Despite her gratitude for receiving the award, she claimed that it could not be done without her teammates.
“I was able to be recognized because of my team’s overall effort. I was just a byproduct of a bigger effort coming from my teammates to push us all to our very best.”
The team’s chemistry was on full display at the celebration where the entire team reminded the team, “Who is SWAC”, with several chants.
With the SWAC tournament in their rearview mirror, the Tigers look to conquer the 2022 NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament.
The Tigers tuned in to the NCAA soccer selection show as they hosted a watch party on Nov. 7 to see where they would land on the bracket.
The team was selected to face #1 Alabama in the 2022 NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament.
Wilson said that the team’s goal is simply to go out and dominate.
“We are going there to compete and end seasons. We aren’t going out there for a participation trophy because we earned the right to be there just like every team,” Wilson said.
The Tigers intend to send a message to the NCAA, by showing others that HBCUs are very deserving of a chance to prove themselves.
Britney Taplin, a junior marketing major from Byram, Miss., was ecstatic with the success of the soccer team and the message they wanted to send.
“I am proud of the soccer team and what they are doing for HBCUs. I wish them the best of luck throughout the tournament.”
Lorlicia Wilson, a junior healthcare administration major from Terry, Miss., showed extreme support for the soccer team.
“I am so happy for them. I am glad that they have been successful in their journey and continue to grow.”
With the growing success of the soccer team, the Tigers look forward to making history not only for Jackson State, but for HBCUs in general.
The 2022 SWAC Champions will take on the Alabama Crimson Tide on Nov. 11 at 7p.m. EST in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
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