Getting To Know Women's Soccer: Olivia Elliott
Sep 18 | Women's Soccer
DALLAS (SMU) - Senior Olivia Elliott came to the Hilltop as a highly-regarded forward out of Hebron High School. In her freshman and sophomore seasons at SMU, Elliott was an integral part of the Mustang attack, totaling nine goals and five assists.
Last year, as a junior, Elliott made the switch to center-back to add leadership and experience to the defensive unit.
With Elliott on the back line, the Mustangs have posted nine shutouts during the past two seasons. This year, the senior is seventh on the team in minutes played with 495, despite missing one game, and has helped former-field player Lissi Lonsberry record two shutouts in net.
Against UTSA on Sept. 7, Elliott played a key role in SMU's come-from-behind 2-1 victory over the Roadrunners. The Mustangs had lost four of their previous five entering the contest, and went down 1-0 in the seventh minute. However, Elliott and the Mustang defense held UTSA scoreless for the final 83 minutes and put the team in a position to tally two second half goals for the victory.
After last weekend's 1-0 win at Colorado State, the Mustangs have an opportunity to extend their winning streak to three with a win over in-state rival TCU on Friday night.
"It would be huge," said Elliott. "Beating such a big rival would really get us going."
SMU has never lost to TCU, compiling a 27-0-2 all-time record against the Horned Frogs. Last year, the Mustangs earned a 2-0 victory at home. Elliott was a key contributor for the Mustangs in the win, playing all 90 minutes and helping SMU earn the shutout.
The Mustangs play their first American Athletic Conference game next Thursday when they travel to Houston to face off against the Cougars.
"We started a little slow," Elliott said. "If we could rally here before conference play, that would be big."
SMU travels to Fort Worth for a showdown with TCU Friday night at 7 p.m. CT. The Mustangs then return to Dallas to host the Gonzaga Bulldogs on Sunday at 1 p.m. CT at Westcott Field. For ticket information for Sunday's contest, visit SMUtickets.com.
Elliott Quick Facts
2014 (Sr.): Has started six games.
Career: Has played in 64 games in her career… Has recorded nine goals and five assists… Scored game-winning goals at Marshall (Oct. 14, 2012) and at Tulsa (Oct. 28, 2011).
Personal: Chose SMU for the academic reputation and the soccer program...Lists Larry Bird as her favorite athlete...Parents are Michael and Regina Elliott.
