Cowgirls hoping selfless attitude pays off in the NCAA tournament
STILLWATER — As his Oklahoma State women’s soccer team prepares to make its 10th NCAA tournament appearance in the past 12 years, you’re seeing the continued tradition of what coach Colin Carmichael long worked to build.
Seeds planted when he came on as an assistant coach at the program’s inception in 1996, and further nurtured when he became the head coach 13 years ago, have blossomed in bright orange.
The Cowgirls host their NCAA tournament opener at noon Saturday when Missouri State (109-1) comes to the Cowgirl Soccer Complex.
With a 16-3-2 record — the program’s most wins since 2011 — the Cowgirls’ surge was built on their selfless approach.
“We have some really talented players who are having to share minutes,” Carmichael said. “From an individual standpoint, that’s hard to do. But the team success makes that worth it for them, and that’s something that we point to as being very important for this group.”
OSU has cashed in on the team chemistry it has created, something that has been particularly valuable on the offensive end.
“We have been able to be dangerous from all over the field,” senior midfielder Anna Beffer said. “We don’t have to rely on one person. We have multiple angles that we can attack from, and I think that’s been a reason we’ve been so dangerous throughout the season.
“Girls are excited for one another, which is something fun to be a part of. Whereas sometimes you get selfish players, or girls who are just in it for themselves. But I really feel this team has done everything in our power to work for one another.”
Despite winning the Big 12 regular-season title with an 8-1 record in conference play, the Cowgirls’ NCAA tournament seeding didn’t reflect that success. West Virginia, Texas and Baylor all received more favorable placement in the bracket.
Should Oklahoma State win on Saturday, it will likely face Duke, the top seed in OSU’s bracket at a time to be determined.