We couldn’t help but notice that the Ole Miss soccer team is now ranked in the Top 25.

The honor is well deserved since the Rebels are undefeated after eight games, with just one tie against a nationally ranked Michigan team.

Football gets a lot of the attention but collegiate sports are seeing a fast rise in the popularity of some women’s sports, notably soccer (fall) and softball (spring).

It’s about time.

These sports are quite competitive, and Ole Miss teams and SEC teams are typically among the nation’s elite.

Softball has seen a rapid rise in attendance and TV ratings and soccer crowds seem to grow each year.

We’ve been watching this Ole Miss soccer team closely and are more than a little impressed. It was only a matter of time before they got a national ranking.

The Rebels will get tested this evening when they play at No. 7 Florida (6 p.m./SEC Network) but win or lose there’s no question this team will be making noise this year.

Having such diversified competition on a high level that is so accessible is one quality that makes this community a joy to live in. We are treated to the best, and Rebel soccer is a good example.