Hayes wins SWPL Cup with Celtic

Caitlin Hayes (Courtesy of Celtic FC/The Celtic Star)

By Datti Jinkiri

Former Mississippi College women’s soccer player Caitlin Hayes has had a fruitful professional career since she left Clinton. She currently plays for the Celtic FC Women, one of the best teams in Scotland. Last Sunday, Hayes played a massive part in the team winning its first trophy since 2010.

Hayes’ 27th-minute header was the lone goal in Celtic’s 1-0 win over Glasgow City FC in the Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup Final. The central defender rose above everyone and nodded the ball into the back of the net. She then anchored a defensive unit that recorded its fourth shutout in five cup matches.

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Hayes is no stranger to big goals this season. She recorded goals in both of Celtic’s Women’s Champions League matches earlier this season. She finished as the team’s leading scorer in that competition.

Hayes was also a goal threat during her time in Clinton, as she finished her college career as one of the best players to play for the Lady Choctaws. She was an All-American in 2017 as well as a two-time All-South Region performer. She tallied 20 goals and eight assists in addition to anchoring one of the top defensive units in the Gulf South Conference.

Hayes and Celtic will have the opportunity to win two more trophies this season. They are currently in third place in the Scottish Women’s Premier League with 16 matches remaining. They will also have Scottish Women’s Cup matches in the new year.