CLINTON, Miss. — For 40 seasons, Mississippi College softball has been defined by consistency, resilience, and a standard of excellence that has endured across divisions, conferences, and generations.
As the Choctaws enter the 2026 season, the milestone marks far more than longevity. It represents four decades of championship appearances, nationally recognized student-athletes, record-setting performances, and a program that has remained relevant wherever it has competed.
Since its inaugural season in 1986, Mississippi College softball has accumulated more than 975 victories and stands just 23 wins away from the 1,000-win milestone, a mark achieved by only a select group of collegiate programs nationwide. Through Division II, Division III, NCCAA, and Gulf South Conference competition, the Choctaws have consistently found themselves competing at the highest levels available to them.
That history will be celebrated April 10–11 during Mississippi College Softball Alumni Weekend, as the program honors its past while continuing to build toward the future.
Built Early, Built to Compete
Mississippi College softball wasted little time establishing itself as a contender. In just its first eight seasons, the Choctaws reached the Gulf South Conference Championship Game five times (1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1993), including three consecutive appearances from 1986–88. Those early years laid the foundation for what would become a defining trait of the program: the ability to compete immediately and sustain success.
Even more impressive is the program's place in the GSC record book. Despite spending 18 seasons outside the conference while competing at the NCAA Division III level from 1997–2014, Mississippi College still ranks fourth all-time in GSC Championship Game appearances, reaching the title game eight times overall (1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1993, 2017, 2021, 2024). Few programs in league history have made as much impact in as few seasons of membership.
Across Divisions, the Standard Never Changed
Mississippi College's move to NCAA Division III in 1997 did little to slow the program's momentum. During that era, the Choctaws continued to collect postseason appearances, national rankings, and individual honors, culminating in a 2016 NCCAA National Championship, one of the program's signature achievements.
When Mississippi College returned to NCAA Division II and the Gulf South Conference in 2015, the transition was seamless. The Choctaws quickly reestablished themselves as a conference contender, earning six NCAA Division II Tournament appearances in 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
The breakthrough moment came in 2024, when Mississippi College hosted and won an NCAA Regional, advancing to the NCAA Super Regional round — a milestone that reflected years of steady growth and investment in the program.
A Program Written into the Record Books
Mississippi College's impact is felt throughout the Gulf South Conference record book, both individually and collectively.
In the circle, Choctaw great Susan Musselwhite remains one of the most dominant pitchers in league history. From 1991–94, Musselwhite compiled a 1.18 career ERA over 816 innings, ranking among the best marks in conference history (minimum 200 IP). She recorded 111 complete games, started 118 contests, and posted two of the lowest single-season ERAs ever by a GSC pitcher, including a 0.77 ERA in 1993.
Offensively, Mississippi College has produced some of the most prolific teams the conference has seen. The 2023 Choctaws set the GSC single-season record for team batting average at .365 and ranked among the league's best all-time in slugging percentage, home runs, runs scored, stolen bases, and total bases. That same season, MC blasted 90 home runs, one of the highest totals in conference history.
National Recognition, Generation After Generation
Across four decades, Mississippi College softball players have earned recognition on the national stage from nearly every major governing body in the sport.
The Choctaws have produced Coaches Association All-Americans, including Jennifer Jones, Brooke Smitherman, and McCall Lee, with Lee earning First Team honors in 2023 and additional national recognition in 2024. Kamryn Eaton and Shelby Samples also joined the All-America ranks in 2023.
Mississippi College student-athletes have earned D2CCA All-America, and NFCA All-America honors, while also representing the program as CSC (CoSIDA) Academic All-Americans, including Tracey Brewer, Lisa Fernandes, Kayla Watkins, Brianna Caldwell, and Kamryn Eaton.
In 2023, McCall Lee became one of the most decorated players in conference history, earning NFCA Diamond Catcher of the Year honors and becoming the only catcher in GSC history to win the NFCA/New Balance Golden Shoe Award. She also claimed D2CCA South Region Player of the Year honors, solidifying her place among the program's all-time greats.
Immediate Impact in a Competitive Era
The modern era of Mississippi College softball has continued that tradition of excellence.
During the 2025 season, senior Madelyn England earned First Team All-GSC, First Team NFCA All-South Region, and First Team D2CCA All-South Region honors after hitting .353 with a team-leading eight home runs and 36 RBIs. Blakely Gill followed one of the most decorated freshman seasons in program history, earning GSC Co-Freshman of the Year, First Team All-GSC, and First Team NFCA All-South Region recognition. Shelby Samples added to her résumé with First Team All-GSC and Second Team NFCA All-South Region honors.
That success mirrors the past — Mississippi College athletes making an immediate impact, regardless of era.
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
Now in her second season as head coach, Leigh Streetman leads a program grounded in tradition while continuing to move forward. The 40th season is not viewed as a finish line, but as another chapter in a story that continues to evolve.
That story will be front and center during Alumni Weekend on April 10–11, as Mississippi College welcomes former players back to Clinton. Friday's action will include recognition of the 2016 NCCAA National Championship team, while Saturday will feature an alumni reception, pregame recognition, and a Gulf South Conference matchup against UAH.
For those who wore the uniform decades ago — and those wearing it today — the message remains the same.
Mississippi College softball is a program built to endure. Built to compete. Built to matter.
Once a Choctaw, always a Choctaw.
