STARKVILLE — Mississippi State women’s soccer announced on Tuesday afternoon that head coach James Armstrong will receive a contract extension through the 2027 season.

Armstrong, the sixth head coach in program history, has been the most successful by far, amassing a 43-32-18 overall record, with a 17-20-11 record in SEC play. 

“James has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in student-athlete development on and off the field during his time in Starkville,” athletic director Zac Selmon said in Tuesday’s release announcing the extension. “…We look forward to seeing the program continue to grow under his direction.”

Over just the past two seasons, there have been a number of program firsts, including its first SEC tournament win in 2022, first SEC tournament semifinal appearance in 2023, first NCAA Tournament Round of 32 in 2022 and first NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 appearance in 2023.

The Bulldogs finished the 2023 season with their highest-ever national ranking and end-of-season ranking, earning the No. 14 consensus ranking from both United Soccer Coaches and TopDrawerSoccer.

Armstrong has coached MSU to back-to-back 12-win seasons as the Bulldogs have quickly become a dominant force in the SEC. That includes back-to-back seasons hosting an NCAA Tournament match, earning their highest tournament seed, a No. 6 seed, in 2023.

Attendance at MSU Soccer Field has also soared during his tenure, reaching new program-record heights in each of the past two seasons.

“I would like to thank Zac Selmon and his administration for providing me with the opportunity to continue to lead this program,” Armstrong said on Tuesday. “My family and I couldn’t be more excited to be staying in Starkville for the next four years and the journey ahead. I greatly appreciate all the players and staff that I have had the privilege of working with over the years.”