A pandemic season

In a season that only featured conference play because of the coronavirus pandemic, TCU was dominant, reaching new highs as a program. The Frogs achieved their highest ranking in school history.  United Soccer Coaches poll placed the team as No. 3 in the nation, behind perennial powerhouses No. 1 North Carolina and No. 2 Florida State.

Talent, experience and a positive culture were key to TCU women’s soccer achieving their first Big 12 Championship, said Bell.

After the season started with a scoreless draw in Waco against Baylor, eight straight victories followed, catapulting the Frogs to their first-ever undefeated season -- another notch in the record books. 

A crucial part of TCU’s success on the field was its defensive prowess with clean sheets, holding their opponents from scoring in seven out of nine matches. 

Goalkeeper Emily Alvarado and defenders Tijana Duricek and Brandi Peterson started every game in the backline for the Frogs. 

Alvarado shined with her seven career shutouts this season, increasing her career total to 20. Another record: she’s the goalkeeper with most clean sheets in school history. 

“Emily’s a fantastic shot stopper,” said Bell. “We count on her to make one or two good saves a game.”

Bell said Alvarado’s contributions extended beyond her performances at goal.

“Her biggest jump this season has been her communication and her leadership at the back,” Bell said. “That’s been a huge thing for us.”

Overall, Bell said the team also did a much better job at keeping possession of the ball.

“If they don’t have the ball, they can’t score,” Bell said. “This year we’ve had the ball a lot more. We’re not giving up chances to the other teams, and that’s a credit to the entire team defending.”

On the other end of the pitch, the midfielders and forwards in the starting lineup either scored or assisted at least once.

Midfielders Gracie Brian and Payton Crews, a sophomore and junior, respectively, each tallied a team-high three assists, all while controlling the tempo through the possession of the ball.

Grace Collins, a sophomore forward, was the revelation of the season. She stepped up and took on a larger role, leading the team in scoring with five goals, including game-winners in the last three matches. 

“I was so hungry to get better,” said Collins. “I really wanted to make an impact and help the team this season, and I am so happy I got to do that.”

Bell said, “She played with an edge about herself that I think contributed to her success and ultimately our success.”

Entering the 2020 season, TCU adjusted and changed its formation and style of play. 

After playing with a 4-4-2 diamond formation during the past couple of years, Bell opted instead for a 4-3-3 with a deep-lying playmaker and explosiveness on the wings.

“As we looked at the makeup of our group, this shape fit us the best,” said Bell. “We have weapons all over the place.”

The COVID-19 pandemic, with its recommendations and rules about social distancing, complicated things before the season even started. TCU also faced both suspensions and injuries. 

Captain Yazmeen Ryan suffered an injury that would prevent her from playing the final game against West Virginia.

On the other hand, TCU did finish the season without a single positive COVID-19 test, perhaps their biggest accomplishment of the year.

“We talked about it at the beginning of the year - what we wanted, what were our goals and what our expectations were - and everyone committed and bought into the process, and now we’re here,” said Alvarado. 

“I can’t think of another team that deserved it more than mine,” she said. “The dedication and the passion these girls showed every single day made my job easier.”