Southern Miss Women's Soccer has signed two recruits for the 2026 class: midfielder Ashton Stringfellow from Sumrall, Mississippi, and goalkeeper Avery Papania from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Stringfellow brings versatility, having recorded 21 goals and nine assists at the high school level, showcasing her ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. Papania, a standout goalkeeper, brings experience from high-level club play and is known for her command in goal, boasting five shutouts and a 0.40 goals-against average. These additions are part of Southern Miss's effort to enhance depth and skill across the team as they build for the future.

By the Numbers
  • Ashton Stringfellow scored 21 goals and provided nine assists in her last high school season.
  • Avery Papania achieved five shutouts with a goals-against average of 0.40 in club play.
State of Play
  • Southern Miss aims to strengthen its roster depth through versatile recruits.
  • Both signees have excelled in their respective high school and club competitions, showcasing a blend of talent and experience.
What's Next

As the 2026 signing class develops, Southern Miss Soccer will look to integrate Stringfellow and Papania into their training and game strategies, focusing on their potential impact on the field. Continued recruitment could follow as the program builds a competitive squad.

Bottom Line

The commitment of Stringfellow and Papania highlights Southern Miss's focus on recruiting skilled athletes who can adapt to different roles, enhancing the team's overall performance for future seasons.