What Is 2019 BYU Cougars women's soccer team

Overview

The 2019 BYU Cougars women's soccer team competed in the NCAA Division I season as members of the West Coast Conference (WCC). Coached by Jennifer Rockwood in her 24th season, the team aimed to build on previous successes and secure a deep postseason run.

That year, the Cougars achieved significant milestones, capturing their first WCC tournament title since 2012 and earning an NCAA Tournament berth. Their strong defensive organization and consistent performances in conference play defined their season.

• 12–7–2 record: The team finished the season with 12 wins, 7 losses, and 2 draws, reflecting a competitive campaign against a challenging schedule.
• WCC Champions: They won the 2019 West Coast Conference Tournament, defeating the University of Portland 1–0 in the final on November 10, 2019.
• NCAA Tournament appearance: As WCC champions, they earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament as the #11 national seed.
• Home dominance: BYU went 8–1–1 at home at South Field in Provo, Utah, showcasing strong support and familiarity with their playing environment.
• Defensive strength: The Cougars recorded 10 shutouts during the season, anchored by goalkeeper McKenzie Wood’s consistent performances.

Season Performance and Tournament Results

The 2019 campaign was marked by resilience, particularly in high-pressure conference and postseason matches. The team navigated a tough non-conference slate before peaking at the right time in WCC play.

• Regular-season WCC record: Finished 6–2–1 in conference, securing second place behind Gonzaga but earning a top seed in the WCC Tournament.
• WCC Tournament run: Defeated Saint Mary's 2–0 in the semifinals before beating Portland in the final with a goal by Mikayla Colohan.
• NCAA First Round: Hosted and defeated Colorado College 2–0 on November 15, 2019, advancing to the second round.
• NCAA Second Round: Lost 2–1 to eventual national champion Stanford on November 22, ending their season in a tightly contested match.
• Scoring leaders:Mikayla Colohan led the team with 8 goals, while Autumn Bailey added 6 goals and 5 assists.
• Individual honors: Several players earned All-WCC recognition, including first-team selections for Colohan and defender Taylor Isom.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2019 season to recent years highlights both progress and competitive challenges within the conference and nationally.

The 2019 season stands out as one of the most successful in recent years due to the WCC title and deep NCAA run. While overall records were similar to 2017 and 2021, the postseason outcomes in 2019 demonstrated peak performance when it mattered most.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season marked a turning point for the BYU women's soccer program, reestablishing its presence in national conversations and setting a benchmark for future teams. Success on the field also boosted recruitment and fan engagement.

• Program momentum: Winning the WCC title after a seven-year drought revitalized confidence and set expectations for sustained excellence.
• National exposure: Facing Stanford, the eventual national champion, provided valuable experience and media visibility for the team.
• Recruiting boost: Success in 2019 helped attract higher-rated recruiting classes in subsequent years, strengthening the program’s depth.
• Player development: The season highlighted the growth of key players like Mikayla Colohan, who became a cornerstone of the offense.
• Conference competitiveness: BYU’s title win underscored the growing parity in the WCC, challenging dominant programs like Portland and Gonzaga.
• Foundation for future: The 2019 campaign laid the groundwork for continued NCAA appearances, including runs in 2021 and 2022.

Ultimately, the 2019 BYU Cougars women's soccer team exemplified resilience, teamwork, and timely performance, leaving a lasting impact on the program’s trajectory.