Gamecocks Picked to Finish Third in SEC

COLUMBIA, S.C.— No. 17 South Carolina women’s soccer was picked by the Southeastern Conference head coaches to finish third in the 2021 regular season, the league office announced today.
 
The Gamecocks return 21 of the 26 letterwinners that led the team to the top of the SEC East (6-2-0) in a COVID-19 altered 2020 campaign that ended with an 11-5-0 record in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The returning group includes the team’s top three goal scorers and four fifth-year seniors who chose to return for their bonus year of eligibility. Headlining the group are 2020 United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region selections Jyllissa Harris and Lauren Chang along with top scorer Catherine Barry.
 
Head coach Shelley Smith also return both goalkeepers who split time last season and three defenders that combined to allow opponents just 14 goals in 16 games last season.
 
South Carolina has not finished outside the SEC’s top three since 2015, claiming the SEC regular-season title three times in that five-year span.
 
2021 soccer season tickets are now available. A season ticket includes admission to all twenty home men’s and women’s soccer games at Stone Stadium this fall. Season tickets start at $25 for adults and $10 for youth, 17 and under. This year, fans can upgrade their season ticket to include a limited edition Gamecock soccer scarf for an additional $10. 
 
For women’s soccer updates, continue to check back with GamecocksOnline.com or follow the team on social media (@GamecockWSoccer).
 
Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1.  Arkansas
1. Texas A&M
3. South Carolina
4. Vanderbilt
5. Tennessee
6. Ole Miss
7. Auburn
8. Alabama
9. LSU
10. Florida
11. Mississippi State
12. Missouri
13. Georgia
14. Kentucky