Before defending the burnt orange and white, junior goalkeeper Mia Justus captured NCAA glory as a freshman at Florida State University.
After finishing her sophomore season Justus decided to transfer to Texas and continue striving to recapture the pinnacle of NCAA soccer. When in the transfer portal, Justus looked for a program that excelled both on the pitch and off.
“That high standard, I thought Texas had it, in their training style … as well as that family atmosphere,” she said. “Which is really nice to come in here and be accepted and welcomed with open arms.”
Head coach Angela Kelly was a key factor in Justus’ decision to commit to play for the Longhorns.
“We had very open conversations before me commiting here about what I was looking for and what she was expecting and her level of standard,” Justus said.
Justus is very grateful she has the opportunity to work with Coach Kelly and the amount of wisdom she provides on and off the field.
“Working with her has been an honor and it’s been very fortunate, you grow not only as a player but as a person as well,” Justus said.
Justus brings experience to the backline of the Texas squad, playing in 14 games over her first two seasons at FSU. With her experience from the impressive program, she tries to incorporate some of the same ideologies to Texas.
“I’m just trying to bring a certain level, seeing how FSU trains and coming from there, trying to implement some of the similar standards,” Justus said.
In her first season at UT, Justus started all 24 matchups and recorded 9 clean sheets, helping Texas capture its third Big 12 championship and reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
The 2023 season ultimately ended in the third round of the NCAA tournament, but, for Justus, it will serve as a launching point for the team next season.
“It was a positive takeaway that the team took when we were approaching this offseason, specifically with a different head on our shoulders,” Justus said. “Because not only are we thinking maybe we will make the postseason tournament. We’re looking to win it now.”
Next season will be Justus’ senior season and she’s looking forward to setting personal goals for herself.
“Every goalkeeper wants more shutouts,” Justus said. “That means most of the time more wins, that’s definitely a goal for me as well as the backline.”
Next season Texas will be headed to the Southeastern Conference, a special opportunity that Justus is excited about.
“Entering the SEC is really exciting,” she said. “We’re excited for new competition, a new opportunity for a lot of these players on the team to show what they are made of. It’s just a really exciting thing to enter in a completely new conference.”
