Lady Eagles to Begin Practice Thursday

Lady Eagles to Begin Practice Thursday

9/25/2019 9:46:00 AM | Women's Basketball

The Southern Miss women's basketball team will hit the floor for the first time on Sept. 26.

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The Southern Miss women's basketball team will have their first practice of the 2019-20 season on Thursday, Sept. 26, in Reed Green Coliseum.

Head Coach Joye Lee-McNelis
"As the new season begins, much excitement lies within the Lady Eagle basketball program. We return five seniors who have played an integral part of our program. We expect each of them to elevate their responsibility in leadership and work ethic. Three of the five seniors are returning starters. In order for us to enjoy some success this season, each of them has to take on a mentality of "THIS IS IT". Shonte Hailes must provide us with leadership and consistency. Alarie Mayze must provide us with energy each possession and take ownership in advancing her offensive game. Amber Landing has increased her strength over the summer and must be a scoring threat. Respect Leaphart's role for three years has been the sixth man who changes the momentum of the game. This year, her role will be different. She must take the responsibility of being an impact player from the start of the game. Camille Anderson, a transfer from North Carolina State, had a transition year in 2018-19 as well as underwent shoulder surgery. Camille's recovery and conditioning will determine her contribution early in the season. We need Camille to be her best as quickly as possible as we face a tough non-conference schedule. Changing roles on a team is like starting a new job; there are always adjustments in the mental framework because of the change in expectations."

"We also return key reserves from last year that we know must make advancements in their game. Junior Allie Kennedy's commitment and confidence in practice has shown much maturity. Sophomore Daishai Almond, who was the most improved player last season, is expected to pick up where she left off. She has matured greatly. Her leadership and consistence is a must for us to compete in C-USA. Other sophomores Destiny Smith, Kelsey Jones and Imani Carter have made strides, yet must continue to grow in the area of understanding that everyday counts. There cannot be any days off. Every returner is expected to "STAND OUT" and embrace their responsibilities."

"Newcomers Jalise Smallwood, a junior college transfer, and freshman Liz Gibbs are adjusting to the pace and speed of our play. As practice begins and we are in the gym daily, we believe their adjustment will be quicker. Both of these young ladies must make a difference for us. We also have a transfer, Lauren Gross, who is sitting out this year and must be a challenger every day to help us continue to improve."

"I believe in this team and am proud of the progress we have made in the areas of skill development and in strength. We will be a small team in stature, but expect us to have big hearts of gold."

Coach Joye Lee-McNelis begins her 16^th season at the helm of the Lady Eagles program. It will be her 25^th year overall as a Lady Eagle as she has been a player, an assistant, and now the head coach. McNelis brings in several new members for her coaching staff, including Jack Trosper as her Assistant Head Coach from Wabash Valley College, Stephanie Stoglin-Reed as an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator from Marshall, and Christian Barnhill as her Director of Operations from Tulsa. Patosha Jeffery remains on staff as an Assistant Coach. Also new to the Lady Eagles are Shelby Beam, a graduate assistant, and Londyn Thomas, a volunteer graduate assistant.