Midwestern State University celebrated the school’s first team national championship on Dec. 14 in Colorado Springs, Colo., as the men’s soccer team defeated Rollins, 2-0, in the NCAA Division II final.

It was a historic moment for the university, founded in 1922 as Wichita Falls Junior College. The school has enjoyed great success in the classroom, the research lab, and between the lines of athletic competitions, but finishing first in the nation had been just out of reach for the Indians and Mustangs.

Hundreds of community members, students, faculty, and staff came out to welcome home the victorious Mustangs on Dec. 15 in front of D.L. Ligon Coliseum.

MSU Texas President Stacia Haynie told the soccer team they met the moment and “just crushed it” at the NCAA Final Four, and she said this will be a special moment for all Mustangs past, present, and future.

“This was special, this was our team and my university,” Haynie said. “We are so thrilled to have a team that has made history. We’re so proud of them.

The MSU men’s soccer team had long been recognized as a power in Texas and throughout college soccer, with 37 national-tournament appearances (20 NCAA II, 17 NAIA). They’ve been ranked No. 1 and had many exciting victories and heartbreaking near-misses through the years.

The 2025 Mustangs made this a national championship program by playing their best as a team in November and December as preparation met opportunity.

“It’s a great feeling! It’s not just 2025 – we were just the team that ultimately got to do it,” MSU Men’s Soccer Coach Michael Meachum said. “For 53 years, we’ve been here and been close. I appreciate the alumni and the university for trusting in me to be the caretaker right now. And the team trusted in our staff and the coaches we’ve had before.”

ROAD WARRIORS

After opening the NCAA II tournament with an exciting 1-0 overtime win over Seattle Pacific on the home grass at Stang Park, MSU Men’s Soccer became a road attraction. The miles piled up, and so did the victories as the men achieved their goals, but they rarely allowed any goals.

MSU Texas won in Turlock, California (2-0 over Stanislaus State), San Diego, California (3-2 in overtime over Point Loma), and then controlled the final two matches at the NCAA II Final Four in Colorado Springs.

MSU Texas finished 12-0-2 in road or neutral-site matches. Including the Mustangs winning the Lone Star Conference Tournament a fifth straight time, the team posted shutouts in eight of nine matches after the regular season ended.

JOIN THE HAT TRICK FUND

Find out how you can donate and help the MSU Men’s Soccer Team in their quest to repeat as champions by joining the MSU Men’s Soccer Hat Trick Fund.

Also, check out the MSU Men’s Soccer Page and MSU Men’s Soccer Historical Records. 

CHAMPIONSHIP PEDIGREE

Brenna Moore of MSU Women’s Golf brought the school its first NCAA championship in 2015. The athletics program has won 17 regional championships from 2002-2025 in soccer, women’s golf, men’s golf, men’s basketball, cross country, and softball. See championships archive.

In a sport unsanctioned by the NCAA, the MSU Cycling Team has brought much pride to the university as one of the premier programs in the country, winning many regional and national competitions.

WATCH IT AGAIN

See the NCAA.com highlights of the Mustangs’ historic win or the full replay of the 2-0 victory. And for local features, see KFDX’s Chasing a National Championship in Colorado Springs.  

Liam Pritchard, who was named MVP of the 2025 NCAA II Men’s Soccer Championship, and Sune Espevoll scored goals for the Mustangs in the championship match.