PROVO, Utah – The BYU women’s soccer team concluded its 2023 season with an undefeated record in conference and on South Field, making a run to the College Cup for the second time in program history.
Finishing with a record of 20-3-3, the Cougars finished the season at No. 4 in the United Soccer Coaches poll. BYU’s dominant offense clinched the No. 1 spot nationally in shots per game with 20.96 and the No. 1 spot in total goals with 79. The Cougars’ goalkeepers and backline also racked up nine shutouts and a 0.761 save percentage.
After beating then-No. 1 UCLA, the Cougars were ranked No. 1 in the nation for the first time in program history.
BYU’s 80 total assists this season ranks No. 2 overall in BYU’s record book. The 79 goals ranks No. 4 in the record book, with the 238 points also ranking No. 4. The 545 shots taken by the Cougars this season also ranks No. 4.
The Cougars were ranked No. 6 heading into their ninth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance. BYU earned a No. 1 seed for the first time since 2012, earning the opportunity to host four rounds of the tournament on its home field. The Cougars opened the 2023 NCAA Tournament with back-to-back shutout victories over Utah State (2-0) and USC (1-0) on South Field. These wins were followed by a 3-1 win over Michigan State and a historic 4-3 comeback victory over North Carolina in the Elite Eight, sending the Cougars to their second-ever College Cup.
The Cougars were led by 11 seniors this season, eight of which were huge contributors in the starting lineup. Seniors Brecken Mozingo, Laveni Vaka and Olivia Wade-Katoa had breakout seasons, earning them each significant national attention. Mozingo and Vaka were selected as MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalists, with Mozingo being named one of three finalists on Wednesday, Dec. 6. Along with teammate and senior captain Jamie Shepherd, Mozingo, Vaka and Wade-Katoa were all named to the All-Midwest Region Team.
Holding BYU’s new record for most games played by a women’s soccer player at 108, Shepherd has played more career minutes than anyone else on the BYU roster, also tallying one goal and five assists this season. Shepherd’s control at the center of the field allowed the Cougars to maintain possession of the ball and find opportunities to shoot against some of the greatest soccer programs in the nation, including UNC and UCLA.
Wade-Katoa helped lead the Cougars to their second College Cup berth in the last three seasons. With 12 goals and eight assists on the season, the senior captain was a major part of BYU’s offensive success. With two assists and three goals during the Big 12 Tournament, Wade-Katoa was also named to the All-Big 12 Second Team and the Big 12 All-Tournament Team.
As one of BYU’s strongest defensive forces in the center back position, Vaka played a team-high 2,272 minutes on the pitch this season. Her presence on BYU’s backline earned national recognition as she was selected as a member of the All-Big 12 First Team.
Leading the Cougars in goals (14), assists (15), points (43) and shots (89) this season, Mozingo earned many national accolades. The Sandy, Utah native earned All-Big 12 First Team honors and was named to the Big 12 All-Tournament Team. With five goals and five assists throughout the NCAA Tournament, Mozingo was also selected for the NCAA College Cup All-Tournament Team, along with sophomore defender, Izzi Stratton. With her MAC Hermann Trophy Finalist selection, she became only the third BYU player in program history to earn that honor. Mozingo’s 36 career goals is ranked No. 10 in the BYU record book, while her 37 career assists puts her at No. 4 overall. With 294 career shots, she finds herself ranked No. 5 in BYU’s record book for total career shots.
Senior forward Bella Folino added nine goals, two assists and 40 shots as a starter. With 107 career games played, she ranks No. 2 in BYU’s history behind teammate Shepherd for most games played by any women’s soccer player. Her 37 career goals puts her at No. 8 in BYU’s record book for total goals. Holding a 4.0 GPA through her undergrad and MBA program at BYU, Folino earned the prestigious Elite 90 award, presented to her at the 2023 College Cup.
BYU had five players who scored more than 10 goals this season: Mozingo (14), Wade-Katoa (12), Ellie Walbruch (11), Allie Fryer (10) and Erin Bailey (10). The Cougars outscored their opponents 79-28.
Senior defender Zoe Jacobs scored her first career goal during the 2023 season. The Cougars had four players play in their first collegiate matches this season: Lynette Hernaez, Camryn Jorgensen, Ella Rustand and Jacey Wood.