Texas Tech University Athletics
Stone Unveils Trio of Captains for 2020 Season
September 17, 2020 | Women's Soccer
Big 12 favorites will be led by Margaret Begley, Kirsten Davis and Cassie Hiatt.
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech head coach Tom Stone announced Thursday the team's captains for the 2020 season. After a round of voting each by the staff and players, sixth-year senior and returning captain Margaret Begley, First Team All-American and MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist Kirsten Davis and Third Team All-American Cassie Hiatt were selected to lead the team this season.
Begley's tenure as a team captain will continue for a rare second year, though her leadership has been prevalent for much longer. The first sixth-year in program history, Begley will return hoping to keep Tech's defense atop the Big 12 rankings in goals against for a third straight season. The Omaha, Neb., native completed an inspiring comeback from back-to-back ACL tears last season to see action in 19 games, including three starts. In ability to her fearlessness on the field, Stone often praises her ability to relate to and motivate all ages on the roster.
"I am honored to be a captain on this team," said Begley. "It's so enjoyable when the team makes it so fun and easy to lead. We have a great team and I cannot wait to see where this season goes."
Davis, now a senior, will serve as a captain for the first time in her career. The forward's 2019 season cemented her as one of the bets forwards in program history. What started with a program record for most goals through six games (six) turned into an incredible feat, culminating in 11 goals through her first 11 games. Davis would score five more times for a season total of 16. Six of her scores were game-winners, tying a program record. By season's end, Davis would be voted Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, recognized as a First Team All-American and named a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy.
"I am so grateful to be a captain," Davis said. "I am excited to lead the team on and off the field and give my best for everyone each day."
Hiatt will find herself a rare junior captain. The six-footer from esteemed club Real Colorado established herself as one of the Big 12's and nation's top defenders. She began her career at outside back, where she picked up Big 12 All-Freshman honors. In 2019, when she was moved back to her original center back position, Hiatt truly shined. By season's end, she would collect Third Team All-America honors as well as recognition as a First Team All-Midwest and First Team All-Big 12 player. Hiatt's play was noticed in the higher echelons of American soccer, as she was called up to the U.S. U-20 National Team following the season for the Nike International Friendlies against Brazil and France in December.
"I am very excited to lead this team through this 2020 season," Hiatt said. "I can't wait for all we accomplish this year. There is not a better group of girls out there."
Tech will open its 2020 season Friday, Sept. 18, at home against Baylor. The game will be nationally televised on ESPNU. First touch is set for 5:30 p.m.
Leaders, and now officially ????????????????.
— Texas Tech Soccer (@TexasTechSoccer) September 17, 2020
We'll follow these three any day. pic.twitter.com/lGbQYNhXg9
Begley's tenure as a team captain will continue for a rare second year, though her leadership has been prevalent for much longer. The first sixth-year in program history, Begley will return hoping to keep Tech's defense atop the Big 12 rankings in goals against for a third straight season. The Omaha, Neb., native completed an inspiring comeback from back-to-back ACL tears last season to see action in 19 games, including three starts. In ability to her fearlessness on the field, Stone often praises her ability to relate to and motivate all ages on the roster.
"I am honored to be a captain on this team," said Begley. "It's so enjoyable when the team makes it so fun and easy to lead. We have a great team and I cannot wait to see where this season goes."
Davis, now a senior, will serve as a captain for the first time in her career. The forward's 2019 season cemented her as one of the bets forwards in program history. What started with a program record for most goals through six games (six) turned into an incredible feat, culminating in 11 goals through her first 11 games. Davis would score five more times for a season total of 16. Six of her scores were game-winners, tying a program record. By season's end, Davis would be voted Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, recognized as a First Team All-American and named a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy.
"I am so grateful to be a captain," Davis said. "I am excited to lead the team on and off the field and give my best for everyone each day."
Hiatt will find herself a rare junior captain. The six-footer from esteemed club Real Colorado established herself as one of the Big 12's and nation's top defenders. She began her career at outside back, where she picked up Big 12 All-Freshman honors. In 2019, when she was moved back to her original center back position, Hiatt truly shined. By season's end, she would collect Third Team All-America honors as well as recognition as a First Team All-Midwest and First Team All-Big 12 player. Hiatt's play was noticed in the higher echelons of American soccer, as she was called up to the U.S. U-20 National Team following the season for the Nike International Friendlies against Brazil and France in December.
"I am very excited to lead this team through this 2020 season," Hiatt said. "I can't wait for all we accomplish this year. There is not a better group of girls out there."
Tech will open its 2020 season Friday, Sept. 18, at home against Baylor. The game will be nationally televised on ESPNU. First touch is set for 5:30 p.m.
Players Mentioned
Defender
/ Women's Soccer
Forward
/ Women's Soccer
Defender
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