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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – In an exciting development for women’s collegiate soccer, the West Virginia University women’s soccer team has officially received an at-large bid into the prestigious 2024 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship, as announced by the selection committee on Monday. This marks a significant achievement for the program.
West Virginia is set to kick off its tournament journey against the formidable No. 5-seed Kentucky on Friday, Nov. 15, at the Wendell & Vickie Bell Soccer Complex, located in Lexington, Kentucky. With this selection, the Mountaineers continue their legacy by qualifying for a remarkable 23 NCAA Tournaments throughout their history, having made appearances in 23 of the past 25 seasons. Historically, WVU boasts a record of 24-20-5 in NCAA Tournament play, and it’s noteworthy that this marks the program’s first at-large bid since 2020, reigniting hopes for a deep tournament run.
Currently, the Mountaineers enter the tournament with an impressive 12-5-2 record, marking their highest win total since 2019 and achieving the milestone of their 27th season with at least 10 victories. The team’s Big 12 performance has also been commendable; they finished league play with a notable 8-2-1 record, encompassing their most wins in conference play since 2016, which secured them the No. 3 seed at the upcoming 2024 Big 12 Championship. After being projected to finish seventh in the Big 12 preseason coaches poll, the Mountaineers have exceeded expectations, achieving the program’s ninth top three regular-season conference finish since joining the league in 2012.
Leading the team offensively, junior forwards Ajanae Respass and Taylor White have each scored seven goals this season, showcasing their skills in front of the net. Respass also stands out as the squad’s leading scorer with 19 points. Additionally, she ranks eighth in the conference with three game-winning goals. Fifth-year senior Lilly McCarthy has been pivotal in playmaking, leading the team with five assists, which places her ninth in the Big 12 for total assists and assists per game.
In the goalkeeping department, redshirt sophomore Mackenzie Smith has proven to be a key asset for the Mountaineers with five solo shutouts this season. The defense as a whole has managed to secure eight total clean sheets, a testament to their strong play. Smith has also recorded 51 saves this year, boasting a commendable 0.739 save percentage, reinforcing the backbone of the team’s defensive efforts.
WVU was one of 34 teams to earn at-large bids for this year’s championship, while an additional 30 teams secured automatic bids through their respective conferences. The top 32 teams nationally have been seeded, setting the stage for intense competition ahead.
First-round games of the tournament will take place from Nov. 15-17. The action will continue with the second and third rounds occurring from Nov. 22-24, culminating in the quarterfinals set for Nov. 29-30.
The excitement will climax at the NCAA Women’s College Cup, scheduled for Dec. 6-9, at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina. The national semifinals are slated for Dec. 6, leading to the highly anticipated national championship game on Dec. 9.
For ongoing updates and information regarding the Mountaineers, fans are encouraged to follow @WVUWomensSoccer on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
**Interview with WVU Women’s Soccer Head Coach, Nikki Izzo-Brown**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Coach Izzo-Brown. First off, congratulations on the Mountaineers receiving an at-large bid to the 2024 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship! How does it feel to achieve this milestone after the challenges of the past couple of seasons?
**Coach Izzo-Brown:** Thank you! It feels incredible. This bid is a testament to the hard work and determination our players have shown throughout the season. After facing some tough adversity in recent years, it’s rewarding to see our efforts recognized on a national level. We’re excited to be back in the tournament!
**Editor:** The Mountaineers are set to face off against the No. 5-seed Kentucky on November 15. What are your thoughts on this matchup?
**Coach Izzo-Brown:** Kentucky is a strong program with a lot of talent. They always play tough, and we expect nothing less this time. We’ve had a solid season ourselves, so I believe it will be a competitive game. Our focus will be on executing our game plan and playing our style of soccer.
**Editor:** This bid marks your program’s first at-large selection since 2020. How important is this for the future of WVU women’s soccer?
**Coach Izzo-Brown:** It’s very significant. This at-large bid shows our growth and potential as a program. It reinforces the commitment our players have shown and sets a standard for future seasons. We want to build on this momentum and keep showing that we belong among the elite in collegiate soccer.
**Editor:** With an impressive record of 12-5-2 this season, what do you think has contributed to the team’s success?
**Coach Izzo-Brown:** The team’s chemistry and resilience have played a huge role in our success. We’ve also had standout performances from our offense, particularly from Ajanae Respass and Taylor White, who have really stepped up this season. The experience and talent in our squad, along with our strong Big 12 record, have all contributed to our achievements.
**Editor:** As you prepare for the tournament, what message do you want to send to your players and fans?
**Coach Izzo-Brown:** I want our players to believe in themselves and enjoy the moment. This is what we work for, and they’ve earned this opportunity. To our fans, I’d say thank you for your unwavering support! We look forward to making you proud and hope you’ll be cheering for us every step of the way in the tournament!
**Editor:** Thank you, Coach Izzo-Brown, and best of luck in the tournament!
**Coach Izzo-Brown:** Thank you! We appreciate it!
