What Is 2022 BYU Cougars women's soccer team

Overview

The 2022 BYU Cougars women's soccer team competed in the NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship as members of the West Coast Conference (WCC). Led by head coach Jennifer Rockwood in her 26th season, the team achieved a strong regular season performance, culminating in a conference title and NCAA Tournament berth.

BYU finished the 2022 campaign with a 13-7-1 overall record, including a 7-2-1 mark in WCC play. The Cougars secured the WCC regular season championship, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, where they defeated UC Santa Barbara before falling to Stanford.

• 13-7-1 record: The Cougars won 13 matches during the 2022 season, including a 7-2-1 conference record that secured the WCC regular season title.
• WCC Champions: BYU claimed the 2022 West Coast Conference regular season championship, finishing atop the standings ahead of Gonzaga and Portland.
• NCAA Tournament appearance: The team earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament after winning the WCC regular season title.
• First-round victory: BYU defeated UC Santa Barbara 2-0 in the NCAA Tournament first round on November 11, 2022, at home in Provo, Utah.
• Second-round exit: The Cougars were eliminated by Stanford 2-1 on November 19, 2022, ending their postseason run in the second round.

Season Performance

The 2022 season showcased BYU's consistent offensive production and defensive resilience, particularly during conference play. The team demonstrated strong home-field advantage, posting a 9-2-1 record at South Field in Provo.

• Head coach Jennifer Rockwood: In her 26th season, Rockwood guided the Cougars to their fourth WCC regular season title since 2017.
• Key players: Senior forward Mikayla Colohan led the team with 11 goals and 25 points, earning First Team All-WCC honors.
• Goalkeeper performance: Goalkeeper McKenzie Wood recorded 68 saves and a 0.96 goals-against average, contributing to 10 shutouts on the season.
• Offensive strength: The Cougars scored 38 goals in 21 matches, averaging 1.81 goals per game, one of the highest in the WCC.
• Defensive record: BYU allowed only 21 goals all season, with 10 clean sheets, reflecting improved defensive organization under Rockwood.
• Home dominance: The team won 9 of 11 matches at South Field, including key conference victories over Gonzaga and San Diego.

Comparison at a Glance

BYU's 2022 performance compared favorably with recent seasons and conference rivals. The table below highlights key statistical benchmarks.

BYU outperformed both their 2021 season and the WCC average in nearly every category in 2022. The team’s improved defensive record and deeper NCAA run highlighted their growth under Rockwood’s leadership. Their offensive output and defensive stability placed them among the conference’s elite programs.

Why It Matters

The 2022 season reinforced BYU’s status as a dominant force in the WCC and a consistent NCAA Tournament contender. Their success contributed to the program’s long-term visibility and recruiting strength.

• National recognition: BYU received votes in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll during the 2022 season, reflecting national respect.
• Recruiting boost: Strong performances helped attract top-tier recruits for the 2023 class, including several ESPN-ranked prospects.
• Conference leadership: Winning the WCC title strengthened BYU’s influence within the conference ahead of potential realignment.
• Player development: Several underclassmen gained critical experience, setting the foundation for future postseason runs.
• Home attendance: Average home attendance exceeded 2,000 per match, demonstrating growing fan support.
• Program legacy: The season marked another milestone in Rockwood’s tenure, which includes over 300 career wins at BYU.

The 2022 BYU Cougars women's soccer team not only achieved on-field success but also advanced the program’s long-term goals through visibility, player development, and competitive excellence.