The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
“What They Saw On …”: Lexi Missimo
12.04.2023 | Soccer
From the view of the broadcast booth, eight on-air talents give thoughts, insight on Missimo.
AUSTIN, Texas – In conjunction with the ongoing 2023 Women's MAC Hermann Trophy campaign for The University of Texas women's soccer student-athlete Lexi Missimo, below are thoughts and comments from eight on-air talents who were on broadcasts of Missimo's matches throughout the Longhorn season:
Ariya Massoudi, play by play during Texas' match against then-No. 1 Florida State in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division I Women's Championship on Sunday, Nov. 19:
"Missimo is one of the most electric players in the country. (She's) dynamic with the ball, draws plenty of attention, yet always finds a way to challenge any backline. Her ability to finish, get her teammates involved, and lead the Longhorns were critical to the historic season Texas enjoyed."
Jack Kavovit, play by play during Texas' 2-1 win over then-No. 12 Wisconsin in the second round of the NCAA Division I Women's Championship on Friday, Nov. 17
"My initial reaction to Lexi was that there are very few players you watch throughout the year that whenever they have the ball at their feet, they can change the game in an instant. And Lexi is one of those players. I think not only how she controlled the midfield/attack was special. But her connection with Trinity was on another level. You can tell they have a different type of understanding for how they play the game. A world class career ahead!
Daniel Gillman, play by play during Texas' 3-1 win over then-No. 6 BYU to claim the 2023 Sprouts Farmers Market Big 12 Soccer Championship on Saturday, Nov. 4:
"Lexi Missimo was simply the most all-around women's soccer student-athlete in the NCAA this season. From the goals and assists stats to the help defense I saw in the Big 12 title match vs. College-Cup bound BYU. It's easy to overlook someone when they are paired up with another top-tier student-athlete like Trinity Byars, but from my perspective — coming in and broadcasting a postseason tournament without seeing Missimo during the regular season — she lived up to the pressure and expectations that were put on her, leading to the No. 4 seed taking home the conference title."
Jessica Stamp, analyst during Texas' 3-1 win over then-No. 6 BYU to claim the 2023 Sprouts Farmers Market Big 12 Soccer Championship on Saturday, Nov. 4:
"What makes Lexi Missimo one of the best players in college soccer is her impact on the game, not just through scoring an extraordinary amount of goals and quality goals, but through influencing every line, the momentum, energy, and both teams' tactics. Most players serve specific roles, but she stepped up to fill even more expectation than that required from a typical #10. In fact, she played the forward and the winger at multiple points within the same game. That dynamic movement and technical ability to possess, cross, penetrate, assist, and finish from all over the pitch on a consistent basis at such a high level is the very definition of exceptional, so it's only just that those efforts are also record breaking."
Glenn Davis, play by play during Texas' 2-0 win over Lamar in the first round of the NCAA Division I Women's Championship on Friday, Nov. 10:
"To watch Lexi Missimo play the game is to realize the combination of "thinker," technical ability and leadership as an attacker player with a varierty of assets. A joy to watch with maybe the "softest feet" in the college game!
"Range of passing, finishing ability, breakdown capability off the dribble, plus her ability to attack deep and late from midfield, it's all there. It's has been a pleasure to call her games on Longhorn Network the past few years watching her shatter goal scoring and assists records."
Ian Carry, analyst during Texas' 3-1 win at UCF on Thursday, Oct. 5:
"Lexi has the technical ability and tactical awareness to be one of the best players this country has seen. Her attributes make the game look so easy, and when she is in possession of the ball, you know something magical is going to happen. I know my daughter will want to wear "Missimo" on the back of her US soccer jersey very soon."
Alex Parra, analyst during Texas' 6-1 win at Houston on Sunday, Oct. 15:
"Watching Big 12 action this season, I was impressed by the overall quality of play from every team. That said, there are teams and players that rise above, and the Texas Longhorns led by Lexi Missimo at times this 2023 season exhibited sublime moments.
"Missimo is a gifted athlete and technically superb. She gave us amazing moments in 2023, scoring Golazos and demonstrating consistent electric play. But what sets her apart is her "soccer acumen." Her recognition of and reactions to a myriad of situations is amazing. Her movement off the ball, anticipation, execution, simplicity and her altruism in sharing with her teammates is at a level above most players. She combines instinct, athleticism, IG and hard work. A true footballer in our midset."
Lincoln Rose, play by play during Texas' 4-0 win at Baylor on Thursday, Sept. 14:
"I got to see Lexi make her college debut during that unique Spring 2021 season. Still months shy of high school prom, she instantly proved she belonged (and shined) on the same field with teammates who were months away from competing in the Olympics and NWSL. The promise of Lexi Missimo these recent years felt more like the guarantee of Lexi Missimo this Fall. She made everyone around her better and made everyone who saw her believe. There was never a match this fall in which you didn't reasonably think Texas could prevail in the end. We saw that early at Long Beach with 20 seconds left and ultimately when a trophy was lifted in Round Rock. So much of what she does looks effortless after a lifetime around the sport, but it is clear she is still driven to find ways to improve and continues to inspire teammates along the way."
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