The University of Tennessee Southern women’s soccer program welcomed generations of standout players back to campus recently for its annual alumni match, celebrating the rich tradition and continued success of one of the NAIA’s most accomplished programs.
Alumni spanning graduating classes from 2009 through 2024 returned to the UT Southern pitch for an evening filled with competition, camaraderie and memories. Former players traveled from across Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and Florida, with one alum making the trip from Mexico to participate in the event!
The match showcased both the current Firehawks squad and the alumni team in a spirited contest that featured quality goals, friendly competition and plenty of laughter from players and fans alike.
Current UT Southern players found the back of the net with goals scored by Kamilia Tayebi, Millie Rayner, Riho Masuya, Mia Saum and Osiris Rodriguez. The alumni team answered with goals from Jessica Glassman and Izzy Vazquez.
For UT Southern Head Women’s Soccer Coach Will Austin, the evening represented more than just a soccer match. It served as a celebration of the program’s legacy and the lasting bonds formed through collegiate athletics.
“It was a privilege to watch so many of our National Champions and Conference Champions play on our pitch again,” Austin said. “It’s a huge source of pride to see them flourishing in their post soccer lives. Thank you to our amazing alums for continuing to inspire our current players.”
The event highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of the UT Southern women’s soccer program over the past two decades. The program has captured three NAIA National Championships in 2005, 2007 and 2021 while also making five appearances in the national tournament Final Four. UT Southern has qualified for the NAIA National Tournament 21 times and produced 165 All-Americans along with 27 conference championships.
While the program’s trophy case reflects its success on the field, the alumni game emphasized the strong sense of family and community that continues long after graduation.
Players from multiple eras reconnected with former teammates and coaches while sharing stories and experiences with current student-athletes. Throughout the evening, alumni encouraged the next generation of UT Southern players and reflected on the impact the program had on their lives both personally and professionally.
Austin said seeing former players return to campus and maintain their connection to the program is especially meaningful for the coaching staff and current team members.
The alumni match has become an important tradition for UT Southern soccer, offering current players the opportunity to compete alongside and against former national champions, conference title winners and All-Americans who helped shape the program’s history.
The atmosphere throughout the event reflected the pride alumni continue to have in the program and the appreciation the university has for their contributions over the years.
As the evening concluded, the focus remained not only on the final score, but on the enduring relationships and shared experiences that continue to unite generations of UT Southern women’s soccer players.
For one night, former teammates once again stepped onto the pitch together — celebrating championships, friendships and the legacy of a program that continues to leave its mark both on and off the field.
