Southern Miss Women’s Basketball Star Jakayla Johnson Signs with Newcastle Eagles

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Jakayla Johnson, a former Southern Miss women’s basketball standout, has signed a contract with the Newcastle Eagles of the United Kingdom’s Women’s Super League, according to university officials.

Head coach Missy Bilderback expressed pride in Johnson’s achievement. “We are so proud and excited for JK as she begins her new journey,” she said. “She is ready for the next step of her professional basketball career, and we are thrilled to see what is ahead for her. We thank JK for her commitment and investment in our program and also her investment in the game of basketball across our state. We can’t wait to continue to follow and support her in her professional career.”

Johnson led Southern Miss to a 15-16 record last season and earned All-Sun Belt Conference Second Team honors. She averaged a team-best 15.6 points per game, with 43 steals and a 39.2% three-point shooting percentage. Johnson scored in double figures in 24 of her 31 games, including 18 of her final 20 contests. She was a finalist for the Gillom Trophy, awarded to Mississippi’s top women’s basketball player.

The Clinton native finished her collegiate career in 2025-26 with more than 1,500 points. She began her college journey at Jones College in 2020-21, transferred to Auburn for the 2022-23 season, then reunited with Bilderback at ULM for two seasons before transferring to Southern Miss.

Johnson joins a list of former Lady Eagles who have played professionally in the U.S. and abroad, including Tanecka Carey, Ance Celmina, Brittanny Dinkins, and Jamierra Faulkner.

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