Florida State's women's soccer team has clinched a share of the Atlantic Coast Conference regular season title for the sixth time in program history, and the team's top scorer, Senior Onyi Echegini, was just named ACC Offensive Player of the year.
Echegini turned her summer abroad into multiple match-winning performances for the No. 1 team in the country.
Echegini was called up to Nigeria’s national team for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. She did not play, but says the experience molded her.
Florida State's women's soccer team finished the regular season unbeaten and clinched the Atlantic Coast Conference regular season title for the sixth time in program history.
Echegini was named the ACC Offensive Player of the Year Wednesday after producing 11 goals and three assists in 15 matches.
“I think it just made me better coming into the season now, just playing a bit quicker and being a bit stronger, especially mentally more than physically, it’s definitely a mental game and I think that’s something I’m trying to embrace this season," she said following FSU's win over Pittsburgh in October.
She led the toughest conference in women’s college soccer in goals scored. The 22-year-old was clinical with her opportunities. Her 11 goals scored, led the ACC, but her 21 shots on goal were tied for 10th.
Nigerian national team coach Randy Waldrum watched Echegini score Florida State’s game winner against Pittsburgh. Waldrum also coaches at Pittsburgh and spent a moment congratulating the Seminoles star after her performance.
“They’re young players, playing with pros and seeing the best in the world play and competing against it,” Waldrum said. “It’s just a huge confidence builder. Just the experience of it, learning the little details of the game, of the things that can make a difference.”
Those lessons have borne fruit for the Seminoles. Echegini has scored five goals in her last four games to help Florida State win a share of consecutive regular season titles for the first time.
Echegini scored 11 goals in three seasons at Mississippi State before transferring to Florida State prior to the 2022 season. She has scored 11 goals in each of the last two years.
“I just feel like doing what the game asks from me and not really thinking positionally, but kind of go where I’m needed in that moment and what the team asks from me,” Echegini says.
On Wednesday, Echegini and seven of her teammates were recognized by the ACC for their record-breaking performances this fall. Seminoles head coach Brian Pensky was named the ACC Coach of the Year. Echegini earned the ACC Offensive Player of the Year while forward Jordynn Dudley was named the ACC Freshman of the Year.
In all, Florida State put seven athletes on the All-ACC First, Second and Third Teams as well as two others on the ACC All-Freshman team.
Echegini and Dudley have formed a deadly duo for the top-ranked Seminoles. The senior says it’s easy to play with her younger teammate.
“I sense where she’s at,” Echegini says. “The minute she dribbles with the ball, I need to give her space. I need to show up and be available and give her room to embrace herself and let her be who she wants to be. I really enjoy playing with her. She’s a great player and I’m really excited to see what the future has in store for her.”
Pensky says Echegini always has the potential to score a goal, anytime she is on the pitch.
“We tell her that she is best when she is close to goal,” Pensky said after an Oct. 19 win over Pitt.
The women's soccer team is preparing for the ACC Tournament semifinals. The team plays Thursday night at 8 p.m. against Pittsburgh.