KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Missouri State's Carly Raunig was named to the United Soccer Coaches Defenders to Watch list ahead of the 2024 season.
 
Raunig, a senior from Olathe, Kan., was named the Missouri Valley Conference defender of the Year in 2022 and 2023. Last season, she was named to the United Soccer Coaches' All-Midwest Region second team and the All-MVC first team. Raunig tallied 1,594 minutes in 2023 with four goals and an assist. She ignited a Bears' defense that led the country in shutout percentage (.684) and goals against average (.452). Raunig is the only MVC player named to the list.
 
The Bears will play an exhibition game against Missouri Valley College at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday before opening the regular season at Missouri at 7:00 p.m. on Aug. 15.