For Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles soccer player Katie Toney, the Golden Eagles’ climb back to the top of the Ohio Valley Conference was not about personal accolades, but rather about growth, leadership and finding a way to score when it mattered most.
Toney was named team captain entering last season. Toney said the role forced her to evolve both on and off the field.
“I think stepping into role as a captain, you have to learn how to be both friends and teammates,” Toney said. “But you also have to know how to enforce the team standards and to set expectations that we have to be a winning program.”
The Golden Eagles delivered on those expectations. With a late-season surge that concluded with a shutout victory over Eastern Illinois, Tech clinched its fourth consecutive OVC regular-season championship for the first time in program history
“It was a lot of work,” Toney said. “I think that just knowing we were able to put that game away with a shutout and when it mattered, step up when it mattered, it was honestly just so exciting.”
Toney has cemented a place in school history. In 2023, she became the first Golden Eagle ever to earn OVC Forward of the Year. This season, she was named to the All-OVC First Team, joining nine other Tech players who received league recognition. Toney also set career and team highs in goals this season. Toney said for her, she is most proud of what her teammates have accomplished.
“It’s been great seeing different players step up,” Toney said. “Over a four year run, it’s a completely different team, but every person that’s came to this program and stepped on this field has really wanted it and has put in the work for it.”
Tennessee Tech will begin their quest to become OVC tournament champions Wednesday. The Golden Eagles will welcome Southern Indiana to Cookeville in the OVC semifinals.
