When Mississippi State University’s women’s soccer coach Tom Anagnost resigned three weeks ago, Athletic Director John Cohen knew a national search was required. Still, the Bulldogs did not have to look too long or too far to find the right fit, hiring Auburn’s previous associate head coach James Armstrong.
Armstrong was with the Tigers for the past six seasons, including a five-year stretch of NCAA Tournament appearances, among other successes. While Armstrong has a wide variety of coaching experience at multiple levels of the game, his tenure with Auburn was important to the search committee.
“We were looking for someone who had SEC success; not just experience, but success,” Cohen said. “We were looking for somebody that really understood the nature of a winning culture.”
On Wednesday, Armstrong was officially introduced as the sixth head coach in the program’s history. Armstrong has already practiced a few times with the team, and was excited to get to know the team and the community through the offseason.
“I’m humbled to be here, and I cannot wait to get started,” Armstrong said.
Armstrong and the Auburn Tigers have been known for their offensive style and offensive success over the past few years, which is something Armstrong wants to bring to MSU next season.
“Everything that I did with them will prepare me to work with these girls,” Armstrong said. “The offensive side of the game was a huge part for me there at Auburn. We had unprecedented success on that side of the ball. I’m definitely looking forward to bringing a more attacking style, scoring more goals, creating more chances.”
Armstrong was quick to address his goals for the program going forward, hoping to continue the momentum past teams have created. MSU has not made the SEC tournament since 2004, despite their NCAA tourney bid last year.
“Obviously, to make it back to the NCAA tournament is a priority, but then to go beyond that, making the SEC tournament, that’s a priority as well.” Armstrong said. “We’re very fortunate that we’re in the best conference in the country, so every game is competitive.”
Armstrong said he is prepared to take MSU to the next level and to be a head coach in the SEC.
“I know I’m ready for this,” Armstrong said. “I’ve been a head coach for every team, other than Auburn.”
The excitement in the room was evident at all levels during Armstrong’s introductory press conference, with both administration and players praising the hire. The entire women’s soccer team is looking forward to working with their new leader according Miranda Carrasco, a freshman defender from Cypress, Texas.
“It’s just all good things in the locker room when we discuss it with each other,” Carrasco said. “It’s just been positivity and optimism about him.”
The women’s soccer season will not begin again until August, so Armstrong will have plenty of time to become familiar with his team before play begins.