Southern Miss begins a new chapter in women's soccer, kicking off the Danny Owens era against Alabama State on Thursday. The match marks the Golden Eagles' first competitive outing of the 2026 season, with a 6 p.m. CT start time. Owens, who previously coached at William Carey University for 20 years, aims to instill a winning culture following an impressive tenure, having led his former team to multiple championships and national tournaments. This game represents a critical transition from preseason preparations to actual competition, essential for team development.

By the Numbers
  • 20 seasons coached at William Carey University by Danny Owens.
  • 20-2-1 record and a No. 5 ranking in his final year with the Crusaders.
State of Play
  • Southern Miss finished preseason with matches against PRCC and Jackson State on August 9.
  • Alabama State, led by Alicia Wilson, incorporates players from various countries and is building around youth and depth.
What's Next

After Thursday's match, Southern Miss will focus on developing team cohesion ahead of conference play, which begins on September 18 against James Madison, the defending Sun Belt champions.

Bottom Line

This opener not only sets the tone for the new season but also enables Southern Miss to evaluate its roster and establish a competitive identity. The success of this match could significantly impact the team’s momentum heading into the tougher conference schedule ahead.