RAYMOND, Miss. — The Hinds Community College Lady Eagles softball team is aiming for a return to the Region 23 Tournament in the 2026 season. The team narrowly missed the postseason last year due to a tiebreaker, according to coach Mike Grzanich.
Coming off a season where they faced the toughest regular-season schedule in NJCAA Division II, the Lady Eagles plan to build on that experience. They will also face a demanding non-conference schedule to start the year, Grzanich said.
The team welcomes 15 freshmen to the roster, who are expected to contribute immediately. Sophomore Jazmin Robertson of Carriere leads the pitching staff, joined by Abby McLean, Claire Mellard, Laicie Bridges, and Mattie Gibson. The infield is anchored by returning sophomores Jalia McDaniel and Mackenzie Smith, while freshmen Addison Galloway, Alyx Hall, Aubrie Carter, Emma Hudson, Miranda Parker, and Xiomara Fireplace will compete for roles around the diamond.
In the outfield, McDaniel, Smith, Galloway, and Fireplace will see time, along with returning players Aaliyah Nixon and Jada Ellis. Freshmen Emma Bass, LaKeitha Sampson, and Shailey Peterson add depth to the outfield. Behind the plate, freshmen Adyson McKnight and Carla Herrington will handle catching duties, with Hall and Bass also contributing as needed.
Coach Grzanich expressed confidence in the team’s leadership and motivation. “We’ve got another young team this year, similar to our 2024 group that finished third in the MACCC,” he said. “The difference is the leadership from our sophomores. They know what it feels like to be right there and have it taken away. Missing the postseason because of a tiebreaker leaves a sour taste, and they’re here to prove something—while teaching the freshmen that you can’t leave your future in anyone else’s hands but your own.”
The Lady Eagles open the 2026 season today at the Mardi Gras Invitational in Youngsville, Louisiana. Their home opener is scheduled for February 19 against Parkland College of Illinois at Rene T. Warren Field.
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