University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Jakayla Johnson Signs Contract with Newcastle Eagles
9/2/2026 4:44:00 PM | Women's Basketball
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Lady Eagle standout Jakayla Johnson has signed a professional contract with the Newcastle Eagles of the United Kingdom's Women's Super League Basketball.
"We are so proud and excited for JK as she begins her new journey," said head coach Missy Bilderback. "She is ready for the next step of her professional basketball career, and we are thrilled to see what is ahead for her. We thank JK for her commitment and investment in our program and also her investment in the game of basketball across our state. We can't wait to continue to follow and support her in her professional career."
Johnson led Southern Miss to a 15-16 record last season and earned All-Sun Belt Conference Second Team honors after averaging a team-best 15.6 points per game, 43 steals and 39.2 3-point percentage. Johnson reached double-figure scoring in 24 of her 31 games, including in 18 of the year's final 20 games. She ended the year as one of three finalists for the prestigious Gillom Trophy, which recognizes the women's basketball player in the state of Mississippi.
A native of Clinton, Johnson finished her collegiate career as a Lady Eagle in 2025-26 with over 1,500 career points. She began her career at Jones College under Bilderback in 2020-21 where she played two years before transferring to Auburn for the 2022-23 campaign. After a season on the plains, she reunited Bilderback at ULM where she starred for two seasons.
Johnson joins a growing list of former Lady Eagles to join the ranks of professional basketball both in the United States and abroad.
Former Lady Eagles in the Pros (at Southern Miss)
Tanecka Carey (2011-13)
Ance Celmina (2011-13)
Domonique Davis (2021-24)
Brittanny Dinkins (2013-17)
Jamierra Faulkner (2010-14)
Janice Felder (1990-94)
Melyia Grayson (2020-25)
Nyla Jean (2023-25)
Jakayla Johnson (2025-26)
Dana Jones (1999-03)
Tamara Jones (2013-15)
Shell Joseph (1992-95)
Ashlee Kelly (2009-10)
Tierra Lassiter (2000-04)
Pauline Love (2007-10)
Brittny Norris (2015-17)
Brandy Reed (1994-96)
La'Tasha Sumerall (2001-02)
Tajanay Viega (2015-17)
Tanesha Washington (2007-11)
Mahoganie Williams (2023-24)
Denise Wilson (2003-04)
Support Southern Miss Women's Basketball
Support Southern Miss women's basketball by purchasing your season tickets today for just $90. Visit smttt.info/WBBTix today to purchase your seats.
Follow The Lady Eagles
Follow the Lady Eagles on Twitter (@SouthernMissWBB), Instagram (@southernmisswbb) or on Facebook (/SouthernMissWBB) to stay up-to-date on Southern Miss women's basketball. Fans can visit Southern Miss.com or download the Southern Miss GameDay app to see full schedules, releases and more.
"We are so proud and excited for JK as she begins her new journey," said head coach Missy Bilderback. "She is ready for the next step of her professional basketball career, and we are thrilled to see what is ahead for her. We thank JK for her commitment and investment in our program and also her investment in the game of basketball across our state. We can't wait to continue to follow and support her in her professional career."
Johnson led Southern Miss to a 15-16 record last season and earned All-Sun Belt Conference Second Team honors after averaging a team-best 15.6 points per game, 43 steals and 39.2 3-point percentage. Johnson reached double-figure scoring in 24 of her 31 games, including in 18 of the year's final 20 games. She ended the year as one of three finalists for the prestigious Gillom Trophy, which recognizes the women's basketball player in the state of Mississippi.
A native of Clinton, Johnson finished her collegiate career as a Lady Eagle in 2025-26 with over 1,500 career points. She began her career at Jones College under Bilderback in 2020-21 where she played two years before transferring to Auburn for the 2022-23 campaign. After a season on the plains, she reunited Bilderback at ULM where she starred for two seasons.
Johnson joins a growing list of former Lady Eagles to join the ranks of professional basketball both in the United States and abroad.
Former Lady Eagles in the Pros (at Southern Miss)
Tanecka Carey (2011-13)
Ance Celmina (2011-13)
Domonique Davis (2021-24)
Brittanny Dinkins (2013-17)
Jamierra Faulkner (2010-14)
Janice Felder (1990-94)
Melyia Grayson (2020-25)
Nyla Jean (2023-25)
Jakayla Johnson (2025-26)
Dana Jones (1999-03)
Tamara Jones (2013-15)
Shell Joseph (1992-95)
Ashlee Kelly (2009-10)
Tierra Lassiter (2000-04)
Pauline Love (2007-10)
Brittny Norris (2015-17)
Brandy Reed (1994-96)
La'Tasha Sumerall (2001-02)
Tajanay Viega (2015-17)
Tanesha Washington (2007-11)
Mahoganie Williams (2023-24)
Denise Wilson (2003-04)
Support Southern Miss Women's Basketball
Support Southern Miss women's basketball by purchasing your season tickets today for just $90. Visit smttt.info/WBBTix today to purchase your seats.
Follow The Lady Eagles
Follow the Lady Eagles on Twitter (@SouthernMissWBB), Instagram (@southernmisswbb) or on Facebook (/SouthernMissWBB) to stay up-to-date on Southern Miss women's basketball. Fans can visit Southern Miss.com or download the Southern Miss GameDay app to see full schedules, releases and more.
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