University of Southern Mississippi Athletics

Respect Leaphart signs with the XCYDE Angels
9/8/2020 9:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Southern Miss Forward Respect Leaphart signed to join XCYDE Angles in Nördlingen, Germany this week.
Leaphart becomes the first member of the 2019-20 team to sign a professional contract and the 14th player under head coach Joye Lee-McNelis to continue their career beyond the collegiate level.
"Southern Miss and the coaching staff have become family to me," Leaphart said. "They have shared with me four of the most important years of my life and have helped me grow as a player and person."
"Excited is an understatement when it comes to furthering my career. It took a lot of patience, praying and perseverance for me to be able to live my dream of becoming a professional basketball player."
The Fort Myers, Fla. native started in all 30 games for the Golden Eagles this past season, posting five games with 20 or more points, including a career-high 26 against South Alabama. She averaged a little over eight points a game for her career, seeing action in 126 contest over her four years.
Leaphart closed her career with 1,022 points, while leading the team with 189 rebounds last season. She culminated her time as a Golden Eagle with a Second Team All-Conference selection following the season.
"I wouldn't be able to tell my story without mentioning Southern Miss," Leaphart added. "That's something that will stick with me forever."
Leaphart becomes the first member of the 2019-20 team to sign a professional contract and the 14th player under head coach Joye Lee-McNelis to continue their career beyond the collegiate level.
"Southern Miss and the coaching staff have become family to me," Leaphart said. "They have shared with me four of the most important years of my life and have helped me grow as a player and person."
"Excited is an understatement when it comes to furthering my career. It took a lot of patience, praying and perseverance for me to be able to live my dream of becoming a professional basketball player."
The Fort Myers, Fla. native started in all 30 games for the Golden Eagles this past season, posting five games with 20 or more points, including a career-high 26 against South Alabama. She averaged a little over eight points a game for her career, seeing action in 126 contest over her four years.
Leaphart closed her career with 1,022 points, while leading the team with 189 rebounds last season. She culminated her time as a Golden Eagle with a Second Team All-Conference selection following the season.
"I wouldn't be able to tell my story without mentioning Southern Miss," Leaphart added. "That's something that will stick with me forever."
Players Mentioned
Women's Basketball Postgame Press Conference - Jan. 22 vs. Marshall
Friday, January 23
Women's Basketball Condensed Game - 1/1/2026 vs. Troy
Saturday, January 03
Women's Basketball Postgame Press Conference - Jan. 3 vs. Troy
Saturday, January 03
Game Highlights - Southern Miss vs. UAB
Monday, December 08



