LOS ANGELES — Mississippi State soccer player Macey Hodge signed a professional contract this week, joining Angel City Football Club in the National Women’s Soccer League on a two-year contract through 2026 with a club option for an additional third year in 2027.
Hodge was a team captain for the Bulldogs in a historic 2024 campaign that saw them win the first Southeastern Conference title in school history and earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Hodge garnered several individual accolades as well, including SEC Midfielder of the Year, First Team All-SEC list, All-American First Team, TopDrawerSoccer Best XI First Team, United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team and semifinalist for the MAC Herman award for the most outstanding player in Division I women’s soccer.
“I’m beyond excited to join a club that’s not only dedicated to growing the women’s game, but also invested in strengthening the community around it,” Hodge said in a statement with the club. “It’s important to me to be a part of an organization that uplifts youth, women and promotes diverse communities. Overall, I’m thrilled to be part of a team that’s building a unique sense of camaraderie while also fostering a deep love for soccer!”
Hodge joined the Bulldogs as part of the first recruiting class under James Armstrong, and helped to transform MSU into a powerhouse in the SEC. Assistant-turned-head-coach Nick Zimmerman was there for her entire journey as well, and hopes her legacy helps to inspire another generation of Bulldogs after her.
“To see the growth from Macey over the last four years is why coaching is so special,” Zimmerman said. “She has touched so many lives and has left the jersey in a better place. We couldn’t be more proud of her and look forward to all her continued success.”
Hodge was able to sign without restriction after the NWSL abolished the draft format in 2024. Players are no longer tied to teams based on a selection process and are free to sign with any team. Free agency was first introduced to the league in 2022 with a new collective bargaining agreement, and since then players have also gained agency regarding trade approval as well as signings.
“We are thrilled to welcome Macey Hodge to Angel City FC,” stated Angel City FC Technical Director Mark Wilson. “A dominant force in her conference, Macey’s intensity and drive in the midfield for Mississippi State were both eye-catching and impactful. At Angel City, we are committed to emerging talent and optimizing player development for sustainable growth and success. Macey embodies the profile we seek on and off the field, and we are excited for the impact she will make in our environment.”
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