MSU couldn’t find that finishing touch in the all-important games. But despite the disappointment, the Spartans’ schedule ranked as the toughest in the nation, with opponents owning a .662 winning percentage — and they still managed to win the second-most games in program history. They also reached the Elite Eight for the first time and earned a program-best No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament. While these achievements don’t carry the weight of a trophy, they still count in the record books.

Head coach Jeff Hosler mentioned throughout the season how important being "a part of the national conversation" was. He certainly achieved that and heads into next season with promise: few graduating starters, a No. 8-ranked recruiting class and the sting of what could have been to motivate the Spartans moving forward.

While going 15-4-6 overall and 7-1-3 in the Big Ten took a team effort, some players stood out on the field and propelled the team to these heights. 

Junior forward Kennedy Bell led from the front, earning Second Team All-American, First Team All-Region, First Team All-Big Ten, Big Ten Forward of the Year, Hermann Trophy Watchlist, Academic All-Big Ten and CSC Academic All-District. 

Juniors Kayla Briggs, Emerson Sargeant and Bella Najera along with sophomore Kaleigh McPherson spurred on the attack from the midfield, exerting control all over the pitch and providing the most important piece of the puzzle in this team’s success. 

Briggs earned Second Team All-American, First Team All-Region and First Team All-Big Ten. Sargeant was named Second Team All-Region and First Team All-Big Ten and Najera was named Second Team All-Big Ten.

In the defense, senior defender Maggie Illig anchored the side with an ever-changing crew of personnel alongside her. While many players excelled defensively, Illig was the clear standout, earning Third Team All-American, First Team All-Region, First Team All-Big Ten, Hermann Trophy Watchlist, Big Ten Player to Watch and United Soccer Coaches Defender to Watch. She will be the player whose absence is felt most strongly. 

In net, freshman goalkeeper Noelle Henning owned the starting spot, taking her place in goal in 20 out 25 games after sharing it in the preseason. She finished the season with 8 clean sheets, 8 games with one goal allowed and only 4 with multiple goals allowed. She owned a .738 save percentage and made 76 saves throughout the season. 

Hosler praised all his players post-match after beating Colorado in the Sweet Sixteen. "They love this game. They love Michigan State University," he said. "They love each other – and that connection is such an integral part of what we do."

MSU women’s soccer will say goodbye to Sofia Beerworth, Reagan Dalton, Taya Hjorth, Maggie Illig, Allie Mairn and Remini Tillotson. Throughout their collegiate careers, this group helped earn two Big Ten conference titles and four straight NCAA tournament bids. 

Even without titles, this MSU women’s soccer team etched its name into the record books. Hosler, his staff and his returning players have built a foundation to build on next season — and they’ve been working toward this point for years. With continued growth and improvement, there’s nothing stopping this team from carrying on its successful and now nationally recognized trajectory.