Women's Soccer . March 18, 2023

Gamecocks Wrap 2022 Season with Spring Banquet

The 2022 Women’s Soccer team gathered for one final time on Friday, celebrating the accomplishments of the fall season. Head coach Shelley Smith, associate head coach Jamie Smith, and assistant coach Marnie Merritt gave remarks about the season, and presented the team with their official SEC Tournament Championship rings. Members of each class gave heartfelt speeches on coaches and staff, and the annual awards were presented to the following athletes:

Rookie of the Year: Gracie Falla

Falla had a standout rookie season for the Gamecocks, making starts in all 24 games. The freshman played the full 90 minutes in 19 games, including all three within the NCAA tournament. Falla had six shots with two on goal as a defender, and was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team.

Offensive Player of the Year: Cat Barry

Barry was a beast on offense this season, leading the team with 10 goals (six being game-winners), seven assists, and 27 points. Barry played and started in all 24 games, and recorded goals in both the SEC and NCAA tournaments. Her 24 career goals places her at No. 5 in the record book, and her 12 game winning goals has her at No. 4. The junior was named an SEC First Team and SEC All-Tournament Team selection.

Defensive Player of the Year: Heather Hinz

Hinz had a standout year in-goal, recording 24 starts and 2,135 minutes in front of the net. The senior tallied 13 shutouts on the season to lead the conference and NCAA, and 84 total saves (first in SEC). Hinz held opponents to no more than two goals throughout the year for a 0.630 goals-against average for first in the SEC and 23rd in the country. For her incredible efforts in the SEC Tournament, Hinz was named the overall MVP.

MVP: Jyllissa Harris

Harris was a dominant player for South Carolina, marking her name in the record books. The 5th year senior logged a team high 2,177 minutes on the field, paving the way to break and set the new NCAA total career minutes at 9,395. Harris recorded two goals this season and eight shots with four on goal as a center back. She was named an SEC All-First Team selection, SEC All-Tournament Team Selection, and United Soccer Coaches All-American (Second Team). In January, Harris was drafted 22nd overall with the 10th pick in the second round in the NWSL Draft by the Houston Dash, joining fellow Gamecock Ryan Gareis (2017-2022).

Teammate of the Year: Riane Coman

Throughout her tenure, Coman appeared in 52 games, making starts in two. In her junior season, Riane played in all four NCAA tournament games, and tallied double-digit minutes in all 18 appearances. Against Georgia, Riane tallied three shots and two on goal, tying her career high in the shutout over the Bulldogs. Coman was a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection, and 2022 SEC Community Service Team member.

The 2022 team saw incredible success, with the following accomplishments:

10 player of the week awards
4 players named All-SEC
4 players named to the SEC Tournament team
SEC Tournament MVP – Heather Hinz
5 players named Academic All district
2 players named All Southeast team
Jyllissa Harris named an All American and broke the NCAA record for all time career minutes
SEC East Co-Champions
SEC Tournament Champions (6^th SEC Championship overall)
NCAA Sweet 16 Appearance (16^th NCAA appearance in last 17 seasons)
Ranked No. 1 in average and total attendance for the SEC and No. 2 in NCAA for average attendance