Southern Miss Volleyball is set to take on Mississippi State in an exhibition match on August 15 at 2 p.m. The Golden Eagles aim to build on a 17-12 record from the previous season under head coach Jenny Hazelwood, who is entering her fifth year. Key returning players include first-team outside hitter Sadie McAda and third-team libero Suni Sheppard, who both excelled in the Sun Belt Conference last season. The team also adds four newcomers, including senior transfer Allie Hazelwood from USC. This matchup follows a previous meeting where Mississippi State defeated Southern Miss 3-1.

By the Numbers
  • The Golden Eagles finished the 2025 season with a 17-12 record, 8-8 in conference play.
  • Sadie McAda ranked fourth in the Sun Belt with 387 kills, averaging 3.79 per set.
  • Suni Sheppard recorded the third most digs in the conference, with 4.40 digs per set (449 total).
Yes, But

Despite their strong roster, Southern Miss will face challenges from Mississippi State, who ended their last season with a better overall record (16-10) and a victorious history against the Golden Eagles.

State of Play
  • Southern Miss is coming off a season where they finished with a balanced overall record.
  • The team returns most of its key players and adds new talent, enhancing their roster depth.
What's Next

Following this exhibition match, Southern Miss will likely focus on refining their gameplay and integrating newcomers before the official season begins.

Bottom Line

Southern Miss Volleyball is poised for a competitive season, combining returning talent with fresh recruits, but must overcome recent losses to Mississippi State to gain momentum in upcoming matches.