Blakely Mattern Named to 2024 SEC Women's Legends Class

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.  – Gamecocks women’s soccer alum Blakely Mattern (2006-09) has been named to the Southeastern Conference 2024 SEC Women’s Legends class, as announced by the league on Tuesday. The class, presented by T-Mobile, is an assemblage of former standouts who will be honored at the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament in March.

The 2024 SEC Women’s Legends class showcases former student-athletes and coaches from all 14 SEC member institutions.  The women’s legends program began in 2001 with classes chosen every year except for 2021 and 2022.

Mattern was a starting defender in 92 matches in her career and became the program’s first All-American when she drew the honor from Soccer Buzz in 2007 and from United Soccer Coaches in 2009. The three-time All-Region and four-time All-SEC selection was the 2007 SEC Defensive Player of the Year and the 2009 SEC Women’s Soccer Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Mattern helped the Gamecocks win their first SEC Championship in 2009 and led the team to the NCAA Tournament each of her final three seasons, including the Gamecocks’ first Sweet 16 berth in program history.

Off the pitch, Mattern excelled in the classroom in South Carolina’s international business program, becoming a two-time Academic All-American and three-time Academic All-District selection. After her college career wrapped up, Mattern was the 21st overall selection by the Atlanta Beat in the Women’s Professional Soccer League in the spring of 2010. She also played professionally in the Netherlands and Sweden.

Each legend will be recognized during half-time of their teams first game of the tournament, as well as a group introduction at halftime of the second semifinal game on Saturday.