Golden Eagles Solidify Beach Roster

Golden Eagles Solidify Beach Roster

1/23/2019 4:53:00 PM | Beach Volleyball

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - With the recent addition of five transfers, the Southern Miss Beach Volleyball program has finalized its inaugural roster. The 2019 roster now stands at 13 members.

Lindsey Smith
Smith comes to Southern Miss after graduating from Nebraska-Kearney as a four-year starter for the Lopers. Of the 132 career matches the Dakota Dunes, S.D. native played in, she started all but three. In her senior campaign as the primary setter, Smith averaged 10.92 assists per set and just under a kill per set. She leaves Nebraska-Kearney with 4,968 career assists, which is good for fifth all-time in program history.

Jessica Austin
Austin is no stranger to coach Stephanie Radecki and Jennifer McCall. The Farmington Hills, Mich. native played under the two for four years at North Alabama. For three of those years, Austin played alongside Golden Eagle assistant coach Peyton Lang. While at UNA, the 5-foot-10 middle hitter averaged 2.94 killers per set, .44 digs per set and .68 blocks per set. Austin helped guide the Lions to two conference championships and three NCAA Division II Regional appearances.

Chloe Klusman
Klusman joins the Golden Eagles after spending two seasons as a member of West Virginia's indoor team. At 6-foot-2, Klusman is also expected to be a force at the net when the 2019 indoor season rolls around. The Cincinnati, Ohio native saw limited action in Morgantown, but was a high school standout at Mother of Mercy High. Klusman was ranked as one of the top hitters in the conference en route to a First-Team GGCL selection.

Piper Matsumoto
Matsumoto heads to Hattiesburg after a two-year stint at LIU Brooklyn. A 5-foot-11 setter, Matsumoto averaged 6.44 assists per set en route to totaling 1,049 assists in her two seasons as a Blackbird. The Fort Myers, Fla. native will also play indoor volleyball for the Golden Eagles in 2019. As a freshman in 2017, Matsumoto posted a career-high 52 assists against Central Connecticut.

Lindsey Legg
Legg arrived to Southern Miss after spending her 2018 indoor season at San Diego State. A 5-foot-7 defensive specialist/libero, Legg saw limited action in her time with the Aztecs. At Choctawhatchee High School, Legg spent four seasons on the varsity volleyball team. In her senior campaign, Legg totaled 501 digs en route to being named Defensive Player of the Year at Chochtawatchee High School. Legg will also play for the indoor team in 2019.

The following indoor team members will also join the beach team: Madison Lawler, Kylie Grandy, Kinsley Hanback, Kellie Garraway, Cyan Blackdeer, and Breleigh Favre. Grandy is the lone member that has extinguished her indoor career eligibility, thus making her a graduate player.

Abbey Wilson and Olivia Hepworth round out the roster. Wilson and Hepworth were the programs first commitments and played for the Golden Eagles in the fall.

The 2019 season gets underway on February 22 against Coastal Carolina.

Follow @SouthernMissBVB for updates.