Softball Says Farewell to 2020 Senior Class

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The Southern Miss softball program will say goodbye to all three members of its 2020 senior class after Beth Taylor, Bailie Springfield, and Lacey Sumerlin have elected not to return for the 2021 season.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCAA granted student-athletes who competed in spring sports in 2020 an extra year of eligibility after their seasons came to an abrupt end. Despite having the option to return for the 2021 season, the Golden Eagles' senior trio has decided to wrap up their playing careers and move on to the next chapter of their lives. Although they will not suit up for the Golden Eagles next season, all three will remain involved in the game of softball.

Southern Miss Head Softball Coach Brian Levin on the 2020 senior class
"These three seniors were instrumental in the transition of a new coaching staff. Their leadership was the key to us establishing and implementing a bit of a cultural change that will echo for years to come. They did a tremendous job, and I will be forever grateful for their commitment and dedication to the Southern Miss softball program. They are a part of the Golden Eagle family forever!"

Taylor, who earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in December of 2019 has accepted a graduate assistant position with the Louisiana College softball program. Taylor will reunite with her former high school coach Barry Roberts who is currently Louisiana College's Head Softball Coach.

Over the course of her five-year career, Taylor appeared in 58 games, earning five starts. She recorded a .233 batting average (7-for-30), 18 runs scored, one double, four runs batted in, eight total bases, 10 walks, five stolen bases, a .267 slugging percentage, and a .465 on-base percentage. Defensively, the outfielder recorded a 1.000 fielding percentage.

Throughout her time at Southern Miss, Taylor excelled in the classroom as she was named to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll for the 2015-16, 2017-18, 2018-19, and the 2019-20 academic years. In 2019, she was tabbed a Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

Prior to arriving in the Hub City, the Silverhill, Ala. native starred at Robertsdale High School (Robertsdale, Ala.) where she was a five-time letterwinner in softball and helped the Golden Bears advance to the postseason each year of high school career, including the 2014 AHSAA 6A Area 2 Championship. In addition, Taylor was named a First Team All-Area selection as a freshman, sophomore, junior, and a senior.

Taylor on her time at Southern Miss
"I just want to thank everyone who had a part in my time at this amazing school. I will miss you all more than words can explain, and just know that Southern Miss will always hold a very special place in my heart! SMTTT forever!"

Springfield is set to return to campus in the fall and finish her bachelor's degree. Springfield was recently hired as the Pitching Director for the P360 Performance Sports Sox softball program, and is expected to graduate in May of 2021 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science.

During her two seasons with the Golden Eagles, the right-handed pitcher appeared in 22 games, making 11 starts. Springfield finished her Southern Miss career with a 2.21 earned run average and an 8-3 win-loss record. In 69.2 innings pitched, she tossed five complete games, notched one shutout, two saves, registered 33 strikeouts, allowed 60 hits, 23 runs (22 earned), 18 walks, 20 doubles, nine home runs, and opponents batted .227 against her.

Springfield earned a spot on the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll for the 2018-19 academic year.

Before transferring to Southern Miss, the Mantee, Miss. native was a standout pitcher at Itawamba Community College (Fulton, Miss.). In just one season with the Indians, Springfield became the first pitcher to win 20 games in the history of the ICC softball program. She finished her career as the all-time wins leader in ICC softball history, was named a NCFA All-American, a NJCAA All-American, a Fastpitch News All-American, MACJC Pitcher of the Year, NJCAA Pitcher of the Week two times, MACJC Pitcher of the Week three times, and Fastpitch News National Pitcher of the Week. Springfield was also named to FloSoftball's JUCO 2018 Sophomore Hot 100 Rankings list, the NFCA South All-Region Team, the NJCAA All-Region Team, and the 2018 MACJC All-State Team.

Springfield began her collegiate career at Delta State University where she led the Lady Statesmen with eight wins and finished 11^th in the Gulf South Conference in ERA and 6^th in BAA as a freshman in 2017. She also received the Top Newcomer Award at Delta State's annual Green & White Awards.

Springfield prepped at East Webster High School (Maben, Miss.) where she lettered in softball six times, helped the Wolverines claim MHSAA Class 2A Fastpitch titles in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and the MHSAA Class 2A Slowpitch title in 2014. She was also a member of the East Webster team that finished the 2016 season as the MHSAA Class 2A Fastpitch Runner-Up. Springfield was selected to the Clarion Ledger's 2016 Dandy Dozen softball squad and the Best of MS Preps list. In addition, she was named MHSAA Class 2A Pitcher of the Year, NEMCABB All-Star MVP Defensive Player, North MS Fastpitch Player of the Year, and Starkville Daily News Player of the Year four times. Springfield was a four-time All-Area, All-District, and All-State selection in both fastpitch and slowpitch softball. She played in the MAC Fastpitch and Slowpitch All-Star Games as well as the NEMCABB (fastpitch) All-Star Game.

Springfield on her time as a Golden Eagle
"My two years at Southern Miss have helped mold me into a young adult, and I am very thankful for the opportunity I have had to further my softball career and education at such a great school. I look forward to earning my degree from Southern Miss and starting a new career!"

Sumerlin has accepted a position at Theodore High School (Theodore, Ala.) as an Assistant Softball Coach, and will finish her bachelor's degree online while completing her student teaching at Dixon Elementary School (Irvington, Ala.). She is scheduled to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in Reading, Math, and Social Studies in December of 2020.

Over the span of her two seasons at Southern Miss, Sumerlin started all 74 of the Golden Eagles' contests at shortstop, posted a .359 batting average (70-for-195), scored 51 runs, hit 22 doubles, two triples, and 11 home runs, recorded 59 runs batted in, 129 total bases, 54 walks, one stolen base, a .662 slugging percentage, and a .488 on-base percentage. As a defender, she registered 92 putouts, 114 assists, and a .928 fielding percentage.

In her short time with the Golden Eagles, Sumerlin made her presence known, racking up multiple accolades. She was named to the C-USA Preseason All-Conference Team for the 2020 season. In 2019, the Mobile, Ala. native was tabbed a NFCA Division I South Region First Team selection, becoming the first Southern Miss player to earn NFCA All-Region First Team honors since Megan Hill in 2009. She was also selected to the 2019 C-USA Softball All-Conference First Team and the 2019 Getterman Classic All-Tournament Team (tournament hosted by Baylor University).

She led the Golden Eagles in batting average (.421), doubles (10), hits (24), and walks (19) for the 2020 season.

Sumerlin also ended the 2020 season ranked in the NCAA Division I Top 25 in four statistical categories. Her 10 doubles were tied for 14^th. She ranked 16^th in walks per game (0.86) and 20^th in on-base percentage (.558). She was tied for 20^th in doubles per game (0.45).

In 2019, Sumerlin led Southern Miss in runs batted in (42) and slugging percentage (.630). She was tied for the most home runs (9) and total bases (87) on the team.

She also ranked in the Top 10 in C-USA in slugging percentage, on-base percentage (.458), runs batted in, doubles (12), walks (35), and sacrifice flies (4).

Sumerlin succeeded academically as well, earning a spot on the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 academic years. She was also named a 2019 Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

Sumerlin transferred to Southern Miss after spending the first two years of her collegiate career at the University of Georgia. As a sophomore in 2017, Sumerlin started all 58 of the Bulldogs' games, was named SEC Player of the Week after batting .800 and drawing six walks in a series win over No. 17 Kentucky, and led the team in walks (39). Her 39 walks also ranked ninth in the SEC and 43^rd nationally.

During her freshman campaign in 2016, Sumerlin played in 63 games, serving as the Bulldogs' primary shortstop. In addition, she was named to the SEC All-Freshman team and competed in the Women's College World Series.

Sumerlin attended Baker High School (Mobile, Ala.) where she was a three-year letter winner in softball, a three-time All-County selection, a three-time All-Region selection, and a two-time All-State selection. As a senior in 2015, Sumerlin was voted Alabama Softball Gatorade Player of the Year, Alabama's Miss Softball, and Mobile County Player of the Year. She was named Regional MVP as a sophomore and garnered Player of the Week honors as a freshman.

Sumerlin on her Southern Miss career
"I am so grateful for my time at Southern Miss. It was truly one of my greatest experiences. The coaching staff, athletic department, and school as a whole have left an immeasurable impact on my future. Southern Miss To The Top, always!"

For all of the latest Southern Miss softball news, fans can follow the official Southern Miss softball Twitter account (@SouthernMissSB), Instagram account (@southernmisssb) and Facebook account (Southern Miss Softball).

Softball Says Farewell to 2020 Senior Class

Players Mentioned

Bailie Springfield

Lacey Sumerlin

Beth Taylor

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