Sports

Mississippi College Softball Celebrates 40 Years of Excellence

CLINTON, Miss. — Mississippi College softball is celebrating its 40th season, a milestone marked by sustained excellence, resilience, and a legacy of success. Since its debut in 1986, the program has accumulated more than 975 wins and is just 23 victories shy of reaching 1,000 wins, a feat achieved by few college programs nationwide, according to the school.

The Choctaws have competed across divisions and conferences, including NCAA Division III, Division II, NCCAA, and Gulf South Conference, consistently competing at high levels. They will honor their history during Mississippi College Softball Alumni Weekend on April 10–11, celebrating four decades of championship appearances, standout student-athletes, and record-setting performances.

Mississippi College quickly established itself as a contender. In its first eight seasons, the team reached the Gulf South Conference Championship Game five times, including three consecutive appearances from 1986 to 1988. Despite spending 18 seasons outside the conference while competing at the NCAA Division III level, the program remains fourth all-time in GSC Championship Game appearances, with eight appearances overall, according to league records.

Since returning to NCAA Division II and the Gulf South Conference in 2015, the program has maintained its competitive edge. It made six NCAA Division II Tournament appearances between 2017 and 2025, including hosting and winning an NCAA Regional in 2024 and advancing to the Super Regional round, the program’s first such achievement.

Individual and team accomplishments highlight the program’s impact. Former pitcher Susan Musselwhite posted a 1.18 ERA over 816 innings from 1991 to 1994, ranking among the best in GSC history. The 2023 team set conference records for batting average at .365 and hit 90 home runs, among the highest totals in league history. Mississippi College players have earned numerous national honors, including All-America selections and academic awards, with standout athletes like McCall Lee, who earned NFCA Diamond Catcher of the Year in 2023 and the Golden Shoe Award, a first for a GSC catcher.

Current players continue the tradition. In 2025, senior Madelyn England earned all-region and all-conference honors after hitting .353 with eight home runs. Freshman Blakely Gill received GSC Co-Freshman of the Year honors and all-region recognition. The program’s leadership under head coach Leigh Streetman emphasizes building on the past while looking ahead.

The 40th season will be celebrated during alumni weekend, featuring recognition of the 2016 NCCAA national championship team, an alumni reception, and a Gulf South Conference matchup against UAH. The program’s enduring message remains: Mississippi College softball is built to endure, compete, and matter, fostering a legacy that continues to grow.

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