University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Trio of Golden Eagles Pick Up Preseason Sun Belt Honors
8/15/2023 12:48:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Harris posted conference-bet 256 digs in league play last season and averaged 4.22 digs per set. The junior finished her second campaign in the Black and Gold with 554 digs, which was good for 30th in Division I volleyball. The Nesbit, Miss. native was a two-time Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Week recipient last season. Harris' 32 digs against South Alabama last season were the most by any Sun Belt defensive player in a four-set match. She recorded 20-plus digs in nine matches in 2022.
"Megan has been relentless in her dedication to developing her game and is such a cornerstone of our defensive unit," said head coach Jenny Hazelwood. "Her commitment to excellence and true teamwork mindset has made such a positive impact on our program. We can't wait to see what she continues to accomplish on her volleyball journey."
Wesley was a First Team All-Sun Belt selection last year after putting up historic offensive numbers for the program. The Orem, Utah product set sophomore class program records for total kills (579), total attacks (1,635) and service aces (77). She was a two-time Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week after tallying the second-most kills in a single season by a Golden Eagle. In two seasons with Southern Miss, Wesley's 1,008 total kills has her within striking distance of the career top-10 list -- she needs 216 kills shy of cracking the list.
"Mia has proven each year that she is a force to be reckoned with," Hazelwood said. "Her ability to score when attacking and serving brings so much to the court. Mia is a versatile and well-rounded player and that has allowed our team to have a lot of success. We are excited to get into matches and see all of their hard work pay off."
Coming off a breakout freshman campaign, Atkinson was named Second Team All-Sun Belt as a sophomore. The Gardendale, Ala. native produced 319 total kills last season and recorded 42 service aces. Playing primarily in the middle, Atkinson finished with a career-high 83 blocks. She had at least 10 kills in at least 19 matches, including the last seven of the season last year.
"Cara is the embodiment of all we want our program to be about," Hazelwood said. "Her ability to inspire others, dominate the net and perform at the highest level as a blocker and attacker is truly a testament to her passion and determination."
Hazelwood and the Golden Eagles open the season on Aug. 25 at Rice. The former CUSA foes will meet in Houston before Southern Miss travels across town to participate in the Flo Hyman Classic with Houston and Southern California.
Fans can get a glimpse at the program on Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Black & Gold Scrimmage. First serve from the Wellness Center is slated for 1 p.m. and admission is free.
Tickets are still available for the 2023 season this fall. Fans can purchase tickets at SouthernMissTickets.com, by calling 1-800-844-TICK (8425) or visit the Pat Ferlise Ticket Office on campus weekdays during normal business hours.
2023 Sun Belt Conference Preseason Volleyball Awards
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Miëtte Veldman, James Madison
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Sophie Davis, James Madison
Preseason Setter of the Year: Kailey Keeble, South Alabama
Preseason Libero of the Year: Megan Harris, Southern Miss
Preseason All-Sun Belt
McCall Denny, App State
Maya Winterhoff, App State
Sophie Davis, James Madison
Caroline Dozier, James Madison
Miëtte Veldman, James Madison
Myah Conway, Old Dominion
Niki Capizzi, South Alabama
Kailey Keeble, South Alabama
Hannah Maddux, South Alabama
Cara Atkinson, Southern Miss
Mia Wesley, Southern Miss
Tori Hester, Troy
2023 Sun Belt Preseason Volleyball Coaches Poll
East Division
1. James Madison – 94 (13)
2. App State – 70 (1)
3. Coastal Carolina – 69
4. Georgia Southern – 55
5. Old Dominion – 54
6. Marshall – 29
7. Georgia State - 21
West Division
1. South Alabama - 93 (10)
2. Texas State - 77 (3)
3. Troy - 71
4. Southern Miss - 515. Louisiana - 47
6. Arkansas State - 37 (1)
7. ULM – 16
