University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss Soccer Secures Pair on National Signing Day
11/16/2025 5:45:00 PM | Women's Soccer
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss Women's Soccer added two future Golden Eagles on National Signing Day, welcoming in-state standout Ashton Stringfellow and Louisiana goalkeeper Avery Papania to the 2026 signing class. The pair brings experience at the high school and club levels, adding versatility in the field and a proven shot-stopper in goal as Southern Miss continues to build depth through the middle of the pitch.
Ashton Stringfellow | Sumrall, Miss. | MF/D/F | Sumrall HS
Stringfellow stays close to home after a standout career at Sumrall High School, where she has impacted matches all over the field as a midfielder, defender and forward. A member of the Class of 2026, she combines a high work rate with the ability to win the ball, carry it into space and create chances in the final third.
During the high school season, Stringfellow recorded 21 goals and nine assists over 23 matches, finishing with 51 points, 101 shots and 265 steals. Her production landed her on MaxPreps leaderboards at the national, state and class levels. That blend of defensive ball-winning and attacking output gives Southern Miss a flexible option who can slot into multiple lines and influence both sides of the ball.
Avery Papania | Baton Rouge, La. | GK | St. Joseph's Academy
Papania arrives in Hattiesburg from St. Joseph's Academy in Baton Rouge, La., where she serves as the starting goalkeeper. The 5-foot-7 right-footed keeper is known for her composure, communication and command of the penalty area, wearing the No. 1 shirt while anchoring a championship caliber back line.
On the club side, Papania competes for Louisiana TDP Elite in the Girls Academy league and has earned GA Talent ID and U.S. Youth National Team ID exposure. Listed club numbers include five shutouts and a 0.40 goals-against average, underscoring her consistency in high-level competition. She has helped her teams to state and conference titles and has collected All-District recognition along the way.
Off the field, Papania has earned Academic Letter and Academic Bar honors and is active in multiple campus organizations, including Spanish Club, Yoga Club, Art Club and Karaoke Club. That academic and extracurricular profile, combined with her presence in goal, adds another well-rounded student-athlete to the Golden Eagles' future roster.
For the latest information on Southern Miss Soccer, follow the program on Facebook (facebook.com/SouthernMissSoccer), X (@SouthernMissSoc), and Instagram (@southernmisssoccer).
Ashton Stringfellow | Sumrall, Miss. | MF/D/F | Sumrall HS
Stringfellow stays close to home after a standout career at Sumrall High School, where she has impacted matches all over the field as a midfielder, defender and forward. A member of the Class of 2026, she combines a high work rate with the ability to win the ball, carry it into space and create chances in the final third.
During the high school season, Stringfellow recorded 21 goals and nine assists over 23 matches, finishing with 51 points, 101 shots and 265 steals. Her production landed her on MaxPreps leaderboards at the national, state and class levels. That blend of defensive ball-winning and attacking output gives Southern Miss a flexible option who can slot into multiple lines and influence both sides of the ball.
Avery Papania | Baton Rouge, La. | GK | St. Joseph's Academy
Papania arrives in Hattiesburg from St. Joseph's Academy in Baton Rouge, La., where she serves as the starting goalkeeper. The 5-foot-7 right-footed keeper is known for her composure, communication and command of the penalty area, wearing the No. 1 shirt while anchoring a championship caliber back line.
On the club side, Papania competes for Louisiana TDP Elite in the Girls Academy league and has earned GA Talent ID and U.S. Youth National Team ID exposure. Listed club numbers include five shutouts and a 0.40 goals-against average, underscoring her consistency in high-level competition. She has helped her teams to state and conference titles and has collected All-District recognition along the way.
Off the field, Papania has earned Academic Letter and Academic Bar honors and is active in multiple campus organizations, including Spanish Club, Yoga Club, Art Club and Karaoke Club. That academic and extracurricular profile, combined with her presence in goal, adds another well-rounded student-athlete to the Golden Eagles' future roster.
For the latest information on Southern Miss Soccer, follow the program on Facebook (facebook.com/SouthernMissSoccer), X (@SouthernMissSoc), and Instagram (@southernmisssoccer).
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