BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Fresh off a Gulf South Conference Tournament appearance and an NCAA Regional run, Mississippi College softball was picked third in the 2026 GSC Preseason Coaches Poll, as voted on by the league's 12 head coaches.
The Choctaws totaled 95 points, finishing just behind West Florida (115) and AUM (114), while UAH rounded out the top four with 93 points. Mississippi College, AUM and West Florida all represented the GSC in the 2025 NCAA Division II Softball Championship, with AUM advancing to the Super Regionals.
Mississippi College also placed four student-athletes on the Preseason All-GSC Team, tied for the most of any institution.
2026 Preseason All-GSC – Mississippi College
Gill enters the 2026 season after one of the most decorated freshman campaigns in program history. The GSC Co-Freshman of the Year started all 55 games in 2025, batting .395 with 70 hits, 18 doubles, three triples, and five home runs, while driving in 40 RBIs. Gill earned First Team All-GSC, First Team NFCA All-South Region, and Second Team D2CCA All-South Region honors.
Samples was a catalyst at the top of the lineup, starting all 55 games and hitting .407 with 72 hits, 10 doubles, and 19 stolen bases. The senior shortstop/outfielder earned First Team All-GSC and Second Team NFCA All-South Region recognition.
England adds veteran power to the infield after starting all 52 games last season. The senior third baseman hit .353 with a team-best eight home runs, 15 doubles, and 36 RBIs, while earning First Team All-GSC, First Team NFCA All-South Region, and First Team D2CCA All-South Region honors.
In the circle, Bailey returns as the Choctaws' ace after leading the staff in 2025 with a 14-7 record, 2.19 ERA, and 134 strikeouts across 128.0 innings. The senior recorded 13 complete games, two shutouts, and limited opponents to a .217 batting average, earning Second Team All-GSC recognition.
Mississippi College finished the 2025 season with a 36-19 overall record and 22-11 mark in conference play, capturing the program's first-ever GSC Tournament Championship and advancing to the NCAA Regionals.
The 2026 season begins Friday, Jan. 30, with the first GSC series scheduled for Feb. 20–22. The 2026 GSC Softball Championship will be held May 6–9 at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Ala.
Fans can watch every Mississippi College home game and all GSC contests throughout the season on FloCollege and the FloSports app.
