University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
11/12/2026 10:00:00 AM | Softball
HATTIESBURG, Miss.— Southern Miss softball head coach Natalie Poole announced seven new signees to the program, on National Signing Day, set to join in the fall of 2027. The Golden Eagles add a pitcher, catcher, middle infielders and outfield depth ranging from Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, California and Alberta.
"We have put together a really impressive group of athletes for this class," said Poole. "We are proud that they want to be a part of what we are doing here at Southern Miss. They are all currently playing in competitive environments and are looking to take the next step in competing in the Sunbelt Conference. In this signing class, we covered all areas: pitching, catching, the outfield, and infield."
The class includes right-hander Claire Sherwood, a Canadian national champion and tournament MVP, along with middle infielders Olivia Lockhart and Kam DiMaggio, utility player Lily Matthews, catcher/corner infielder Journey Phillips, first baseman Sadie Foote and outfielder Briley Bolden.
"Kamryn DiMaggio, from New Orleans, LA, Olivia Lockhart from Sarasota, FL, and Lily Matthews from Menifee, CA, are all middle infielders who can play most positions on the field," said Poole. "These three have great feet, hands, and arms. Offensively, they all know how to produce in a big way. This entire group will continue to push us forward as a program."
Kamryn DiMaggio | MIF | Archbishop High School | New Orleans, La.
DiMaggio joins the Golden Eagles from Archbishop Chapelle High School in New Orleans, La., where she helped the Chipmunks win the 2024 Louisiana Division I Select state championship, the program's first softball title. In the title game, she delivered a game-tying single in the fifth inning. In the 2025 playoffs, she had a two-run double in Chapelle's upset of the top seed. During the 2026 season, she had a three-hit, four-RBI game against Patrick Taylor and a three-hit, three-run game in a playoff win.
Olivia Lockhart | MIF | Sarasota High School | Sarasota, Fla.
Lockhart joins the Golden Eagles from Sarasota High School in Sarasota, Fla., where she was a dynamic presence at shortstop and on the bases. In 27 games during the 2026 season, she hit .414 with a .437 on-base percentage, recording 41 hits, 34 runs and 15 RBIs. Lockhart stole 31 bases, which ranked 31st in Florida, fifth in Class 7A and first in 7A District 8. She helped Sarasota reach the 2026 FHSAA Class 7A state tournament.
Lily Matthews | UTL | Liberty High School | Menifee, Calif.
Matthews joins the Golden Eagles from Liberty High School in Menifee, Calif., where she was one of the most productive bats in the CIF Southern Section. During the 2026 season, she hit .573 with a .584 on-base percentage and a 1.120 slugging percentage, tallying 43 hits, 32 RBIs and 25 runs. She also posted a .906 fielding percentage. Matthews' slugging percentage ranked 114th in California and in the top 10 in Division V. She also plays club softball for Athletics Mercado Hovermale 16U.
Claire Sherwood | RHP | Foothills Composite High School | Okotoks, Alberta
"Claire Sherwood, a right-handed pitcher from Canada, is a current player for Team Canada," said Poole. "She is a real competitor and knows what hard work and success look like. She both pitches and hits."
Sherwood joins the Golden Eagles from Foothills Composite High School in Okotoks, Alberta, where she was a standout in the circle and in the outfield. Playing for Calgary Adrenaline in 2025, she was named tournament MVP while leading the team to the Canadian National Championship. That season, she posted a 1.32 ERA with 222 strikeouts in 159 innings and hit .439. Sherwood also helped Calgary Adrenaline finish second at the Canada Cup and Unity TJ finish in the top 16 in Tier 1 at Alliance Nationals.
Journey Phillips | C/CIF | Alcorn Central High School | Glen, Miss.
"Our catcher, Journey Phillips, is from Glen, MS," said Poole. "She's got great receiving and throwing skills, as well as a big offense."
Phillips joins the Golden Eagles from Alcorn Central High School in Glen, Miss., where she was a three-sport varsity athlete in softball, volleyball and bowling. On the diamond, she was a consistent contributor at the plate, highlighted by a 4-for-4 performance against Mantachie on March 31, 2026, and multi-hit games against Holly Springs and Booneville. She helped Alcorn Central reach the 2026 MHSAA Class 3A playoffs. In volleyball, Phillips played middle hitter and defensive specialist.
Briley Bolden | OF | Fairhope High School | Fairhope, Ala.
"Briley Bolden is an outfielder from Fairhope, Ala., who is powerful at the plate and quick," said Poole. "In the outfield, she covers a lot of ground and has a strong arm."
Bolden joins the Golden Eagles from Fairhope High School in Fairhope, Ala., where she was a force in the middle of the lineup. In the 2026 season, she hit .413 with a .485 on-base percentage, 12 home runs, 45 hits, 44 RBIs and 34 runs while posting a .960 fielding percentage. Her 12 home runs ranked 391st nationally, 35th in Alabama and sixth in Class 7A. Bolden helped Fairhope win the Class 7A Area 2 championship game and reach the 2026 AHSAA Class 7A playoffs.
Sadie Foote | 1B | Starkville High School | Starkville, Miss.
"Sadie Foote is a first baseman from Starkville, Miss.," said Poole. "She plays her position with maturity and hits for really good power."
Foote joins the Golden Eagles from Starkville High School in Starkville, Miss., where she was a premier power hitter at first base. Through two varsity seasons, she hit .582 with a .691 on-base percentage, 57 hits, 46 RBIs, seven home runs and a .979 fielding percentage. In 2025-26, she hit .582 with 32 hits, 19 RBIs, four home runs and eight doubles in 23 games.
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