Coming off a historic women’s soccer campaign, Mississippi State has been recognized for its excellent pitch.
The Sports Field Management Association has named Mississippi State’s pitch as the top college and university soccer field in the country for 2024. The turf, along with playing surfaces at the school’s other athletic facilities, is overseen by Athletic Grounds Associate Director Brandon Hardin, a 2006 graduate of MSU’s golf and sports management program. His team includes five assistants and a half dozen student workers.
“This award is a testament to my team,” Hardin said per a release from the university. “I try to keep them pointed in the right direction, but every award they win is on them. It’s a testament to their hard work and their dedication to the athletes at our university.”
This year, the sports turf crew maintained the soccer field late into the season with Mississippi State vying for a national title. The Bulldogs amassed a 19-3 record, went 10-0 in conference play, and ultimately fell to Notre Dame in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. In the process, the team garnered consistent support, breaking four separate all-time attendance records.
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“Those games were played here in Starkville, which means the season is longer for us and more wear and tear, and we’ve got to keep that pitch up. That’s a good problem to have,” Hardin said. “It’s always special to know we’re a small part of all the success that we have here on campus. We watch our athletes have success because of our hard work, that just makes it even better.”
The field is covered with Tifway 419 Hybrid Bermuda Grass grown in Tupelo, overseeded each fall with perennial ryegrass. Because Hardin and his crew have maintained an exceptional playing surface for long-term use, the pitch hasn’t needed renovation for more than a decade.
MSU’s award came at the hands of a panel of judges who score entries based on playability, appearance, utilization of innovative solutions, effective use of budget and implementation, or a comprehensive program.
