Texas Tech University Athletics
White Named Big 12 Freshman of the Week
September 24, 2019 | Women's Soccer
Freshman goalkeeper stepped up in collegiate debut Saturday.
IRVING, Texas – Forced into her collegiate debut due to an injury to starting goalkeeper Marissa Zucchetto, freshman Madison White was tasked with preserving a one-goal Texas Tech lead at No. 22 South Florida Saturday. Seven saves and a secured upset later, White is receiving much deserved recognition as the Big 12 Freshman of the Week.
White, a native of Rockwall, Texas, is one of six Red Raiders produced by renowned Dallas Sting SC. Last year, she was voted the Female Athlete of the Year as a senior at Bishop Lynch. The 5-foot-11 freshman, who also intends on high jumping for the Tech track and field team, was an exciting get for head coach Tom Stone and his staff.
"She just knew how to make the save when she needed to," Stone recalled of his times watching White play. "Every time, there was a ball that was for sure going in that she'd get to. The other team would be celebrating, and she'd somehow get to it with her fingertips. She can fly. A lot of keepers are good foundationally, but she can fly."
When Zucchetto went down in the 22nd minute Saturday against the top-25 Bulls, Stone called upon the high-flying keeper to take over. His words to the freshman were simple: "Maddie, it's your team now. Zu is not coming back. It's your team. Go get it done."
Though inserted into a tough situation to begin her career, White was confident in herself and her back line's ability to stave off the USF attacks. By the end of the game, Tech had successfully defended 11 shots and numerous attacking runs. The half was highlighted by an incredible leaping save from White on a Bulls free kick otherwise heading towards the back of the net.
"We just told her to do her thing," Hannah Anderson said of her fellow freshman. "She made amazing plays and did her thing, and we ended up winning because of her. We knew this team would be coming at us hard, so everyone just pumped her up and gave her the confidence to do really well."
White is expected to start in goal for Tech's Big 12 opener Thursday, which will be played against Oklahoma State at 7 p.m. at home. The Red Raiders (8-1-0) are tied atop the conference standings with the Cowgirls (7-0-2) after both squads rolled through non-conference play.
? E A R N E D I T ?
— Texas Tech Soccer (@TexasTechSoccer) September 24, 2019
College debut, ranked opponent, on the road.
Seven clutch saves and a W later, @madisonwhiteeee gets proper recognition.
??#WreckEm?? pic.twitter.com/33POedF1FJ
White, a native of Rockwall, Texas, is one of six Red Raiders produced by renowned Dallas Sting SC. Last year, she was voted the Female Athlete of the Year as a senior at Bishop Lynch. The 5-foot-11 freshman, who also intends on high jumping for the Tech track and field team, was an exciting get for head coach Tom Stone and his staff.
"She just knew how to make the save when she needed to," Stone recalled of his times watching White play. "Every time, there was a ball that was for sure going in that she'd get to. The other team would be celebrating, and she'd somehow get to it with her fingertips. She can fly. A lot of keepers are good foundationally, but she can fly."
When Zucchetto went down in the 22nd minute Saturday against the top-25 Bulls, Stone called upon the high-flying keeper to take over. His words to the freshman were simple: "Maddie, it's your team now. Zu is not coming back. It's your team. Go get it done."
Though inserted into a tough situation to begin her career, White was confident in herself and her back line's ability to stave off the USF attacks. By the end of the game, Tech had successfully defended 11 shots and numerous attacking runs. The half was highlighted by an incredible leaping save from White on a Bulls free kick otherwise heading towards the back of the net.
52' | MADISON. WHITE.
— Texas Tech Soccer (@TexasTechSoccer) September 22, 2019
The Bulls go for goal on a close free kick, and Madison makes an insane leaping save to keep us in front! ??
??#WreckEm?? pic.twitter.com/UIJBuqAXCN
"We just told her to do her thing," Hannah Anderson said of her fellow freshman. "She made amazing plays and did her thing, and we ended up winning because of her. We knew this team would be coming at us hard, so everyone just pumped her up and gave her the confidence to do really well."
White is expected to start in goal for Tech's Big 12 opener Thursday, which will be played against Oklahoma State at 7 p.m. at home. The Red Raiders (8-1-0) are tied atop the conference standings with the Cowgirls (7-0-2) after both squads rolled through non-conference play.
Players Mentioned
Defender
/ Women's Soccer
Goalkeeper
/ Women's Soccer
Goalkeeper
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