RAYMOND, Miss. - The Hinds Community College Lady Eagles softball team enters the 2026 season with its sights set on a return to the Region 23 Tournament after narrowly missing the field in 2025 due to a tiebreaker. Coming off a season in which Coach Mike Grzanich's squad faced the toughest regular-season schedule in NJCAA Division II, the Lady Eagles aim to build on that experience while once again testing themselves against a challenging non-conference slate to open the year.

Hinds welcomes 15 newcomers to the roster this season, with the freshman class being asked to make an immediate impact across the diamond.

In the circle, sophomore Jazmin Robertson (Carriere) returns to lead the pitching staff and is joined by Abby McLean (Pace, Fla.), Claire Mellard (Sulphur, La.), Laicie Bridges (Silver Creek), and Mattie Gibson (Wiggins).

The infield is anchored by returning sophomores Jalia McDaniel and Mackenzie Smith. Freshmen Addison Galloway (Long Beach), Alyx Hall (Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.), Aubrie Carter (Sterlington, La.), Emma Hudson (Grand Bay, Ala.), Miranda Parker (Gulfport), and Xiomara Fireplace (Philadelphia) will compete for roles around the diamond. McDaniel, Smith, Galloway, and Fireplace will also see time in the outfield.

Returning outfielders Aaliyah Nixon (Quitman) and Jada Ellis (Ripley) provide experience, while newcomers Emma Bass (Eros, La.), LaKeitha Sampson (Bay St. Louis), and Shailey Peterson (Poplarville) add depth to the unit.

Behind the plate, the catching duties will be led by freshmen Adyson McKnight (Forest) and Carla Herrington (Columbia), with Hall and Bass also contributing as needed.

Head Coach Mike Grzanich is eager to open the season with a motivated group. "We've got another young team this year, similar to our 2024 group that finished third in the MACCC," Grzanich 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, La. with their home opener on February 19th against northern foe Parkland College (Ill.) at Rene T. Warren Field.

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