TCU women’s soccer team made history on Monday when they secured their spot in the NCAA Tournament.
64 teams are chosen to compete, but TCU is one of the 32 teams chosen to host in the first round.
The Horned Frogs are 12-6-2 overall and are coming off an outstanding run. After going undefeated in non-conference play, TCU defeated No. 25 Kansas, 1-0, and Baylor, 3-2, in overtime, during the Big 12 Championship.
Head coach Eric Bell said he is not surprised that his team is in the tournament. He said their “body of work” was good enough to earn a berth, but going into the tournament, he has “bigger goals” for his team.
“The mentality is not ‘we are just good enough to be here,’” Bell said. “We want to make a run and go as far as we can go.”
When Bell was brought in to coach five seasons ago, TCU was not well known for its soccer program. Bell said he knew that this success would not happen overnight.
Senior forward Michelle Prokof is one of the players that has contributed to the success. Prokof is tied for second all-time in goals.
Prokof said words do not describe what earning a berth means to the coaches.
“My heart feels utter joy for them,” Prokof said. “I know how much work they put in. They have been through the hard times, the fun times; they have been through it all.”
Prokof said she is confident in her team because of challenges they have faced together.
“The confidence of the team is like it never has been before because we have experienced adversity, and that’s been huge for us,” Prokof said.
TCU will host Texas A&M Saturday at 7 p.m. at Garvey-Rosenthal Soccer Stadium.