Farris Promoted to Assistant Head Coach to Complete 2024-25 Lady Eagle Team

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Barbara Farris, the assistant coach for the Lady Eagles, was promoted to the position of assistant head coach by head coach Joye Lee-McNelis in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Farris, a seasoned professional with a decade of experience in the WNBA and coaching at various college and professional levels, is set to embark on her second season with the Lady Eagles this upcoming winter.

Head coach Lee-McNelis expressed her appreciation for having Coach Farris as part of the Lady Eagle team, highlighting her vast expertise and background in college and professional basketball. Farris’ impact is felt daily through her contributions in practice sessions, team meetings, recruitment efforts, and game strategies. Lee-McNelis commended Farris’ growth as a Division I coach, emphasizing her extensive experience of over 15 years in the WNBA. She described Farris as a standout talent and expressed her privilege in having her as the assistant head coach, foreseeing a bright future for Lady Eagle Basketball with Farris on board.

Farris shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming season at Southern Miss, expressing her eagerness to work alongside the players while nurturing their growth and success. She acknowledged the trust and confidence placed in her by Coach Lee-McNelis, underscoring her role within the Lady Eagle program. Farris emphasized the team’s dedication to hard work and commitment in striving for success at Southern Miss.

Originally from Metairie, Louisiana, Farris joined the Southern Miss program in the 2023-24 season, focusing on developing the team’s front court players. Her collaborative efforts with the coaching staff in scouting opponents and recruiting prospects played a pivotal role in achieving the Lady Eagles’ first consecutive 20-win seasons since 2015.

Throughout the previous season, Farris mentored player Melyia Grayson, who showcased a stellar performance by achieving career-high stats in various categories. Grayson’s contributions led the Lady Eagles to the third round of the Postseason WNIT and earned her a spot on the Sun Belt Conference’s Third Team.

With nearly two decades of coaching experience and six seasons at the Division I level, Farris has further honed her coaching skills during a five-year tenure as an assistant coach for the WNBA’s New York Liberty.

Additionally, Connor McNelis, now titled Assistant Coach and Director of Analytics and Player Development, will be part of the coaching staff for the 2024-25 season. Assistant coach and Recruiting Coordinator Jessica Barber will return for her second season, alongside the rejoining of Brooks Donald Williams as the program’s Associate Head Coach and Mack Gardner continuing in his role as Director of Operations for the Lady Eagles in his fourth season.

2024-25 Lady Eagle Coaching Staff (Years in Current Position) Head Coach – Joye Lee-McNelis (21st Season) Associate Head Coach – Brooks Donald Williams (First Season) Assistant Head Coach – Barbara Farris (Second Season) Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator – Jessica Barber (Second Season) Assistant Coach/Director of Analytics and Player Development – Connor McNelis (Second Season) Director of Operations – Mack Gardner (Fourth Season)