Lady Eagles Honor Sophomore Class, Close Season on a Night of Celebration
MERIDIAN, Miss. – The Meridian Community College Lady Eagles Volleyball team closed out their 2025 season Monday night with a special celebration honoring the program's nine sophomores before taking on the East Central Warriors inside Graham Gymnasium.
The evening began with a heartfelt recognition of MCC's sophomore class — Maddie Parker, Autumn Gilland, Riley Pate, Shannon Perryman, Alyssa Leonard, Lillie Pate, Clara Lott, Kayla Jones, and Taylor Hamilton — whose commitment and leadership helped lay the foundation for MCC Volleyball.
These nine student-athletes were members of the inaugural team that launched the Lady Eagles program last season, and their impact has been instrumental in shaping the team's culture and identity.
"These ladies truly started something special here," said MCC head coach Alex Schimelpfening. "They've built what MCC Volleyball is today, and I couldn't be more proud to have coached such a hardworking and dedicated group. We wish them nothing but success in their futures."
While the Lady Eagles fell in straight sets to East Central, the atmosphere inside Graham Gymnasium was electric. Fans, families, and fellow student-athletes packed the stands to show their support, creating a spirited environment to close out the season. The MCC Dance Team also performed between sets, adding to the energy of the night.
The 2025 season marked a significant step forward for the young program. The Lady Eagles finished 10-22 overall and 1-15 in conference play, a nine-win improvement from their inaugural season and highlighted by the program's first-ever conference victory.
Fans can view photos from the Sophomore Night ceremony at mcceagles.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/photos/0011/index and watch the full video presentation at youtu.be/hOv6bxJoMV8.
As the Lady Eagles close the book on their second season, anticipation is already building for what the next wave of players will bring to the court in 2026.
