Rangers’ Andrews, Dixon sign with Division I programs
Two members of the historic 2023 Northwest squad have found their respective Division I homes.
Northwest Mississippi Community College women’s soccer defenders Amaya Andrews and Raylin Dixon signed national letters of intent on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 5 at the Senatobia campus, with Andrews inking with Jackson State University and Dixon choosing Jacksonville State University. The pair made up just part of a strong back unit that allowed less than 20 goals over a two-year span.
“I am really proud of both them both,” Northwest soccer coach James Beattie said, on Andrews and Dixon. “They came into the program and have left it in a much better place. That’s not just a credit to them, but also a credit to their teammates. They will be nothing but successful in these next two years at the next level. Not only have I gained two great soccer players over the last couple of seasons, but I have also gained two friends for life.”
After missing the entire 2021 season due to injury, Andrews rebounded for a strong freshman campaign in 2022, helping Northwest to a 15-win season and the program’s first-ever appearance in the NJCAA Division II Championship tournament. In addition to locking down opponents to just nine goals all season, the Olive Branch native also provided two assists, one each against National Park College and East Central.
Andrews was an everyday starter during both seasons with Northwest, earning All-MACCC accolades for her sophomore season. She helped Northwest outscore its opponents by a whopping 115-6 margin, as the Lady Rangers recorded the program’s first NJCAA Region 23 title, co-MACCC championship and a record 21-win season.
A native of Brandon, Dixon was another critical piece of the Northwest defense in her two seasons with the Lady Rangers. In addition to her defense prowess, Dixon provided one goal and four assists over her career, scoring the game-winner in this year’s regular-season finale, while providing back-to-back assists in wins against National Park College and Meridian in September.
Dixon earned First Team All-MACCC recognition in each of the last two seasons, while also earning All-Region 23 and NJCAA All-American nods over the last couple of weeks.
Andrews and Dixon make up the 11th and 12th four-year signees in the past four seasons for Northwest coach James Beattie, including six NCAA Division I signees. Last season, Northwest sent four to the four-year level and six in 2021.
