Lady Choctaws Tabbed as GSC Women’s Soccer Favorite

By Datti Jinkiri

The Gulf South Conference’s women’s soccer coaches have tabbed Mississippi College as the favorite to win the 2021 conference championship. The Lady Choctaws, who picked up 11 of 13 first-place votes, are followed by Lee, Montevallo, Delta State, and West Florida in the preseason poll.

The Lady Choctaws had an undefeated spring, finishing with an 8-0-0 mark. They defeated Alabama-Huntsville, West Alabama, and Lee on their way to winning the GSC Spring Championship Series. The ladies also finished the season ranked second in the national poll.

Juniors Erin Hederman and Avery Hederman, as well as senior Emily McNair made the Preseason All-GSC Team. The three selections tied Mississippi College with Lee for most representatives on the team.

Erin Hederman, a Jackson native, has 21 goal contributions (12 goals, nine assists) in 23 career matches. The forward was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2021 GSC Spring Championship Series.

Avery Hederman started all eight matches in the midfield, scoring twice and adding three assists. She scored the final goal in the Lady Choctaws’ 3-0 win over Lee in the GSC Spring Championship Series Final.

McNair, a Ridgeland native, has started 46 games in her career. The midfielder scored the game-winner against Lee and was also named the GSC Spring Championship Series All-Tournament Team.

The Lady Choctaws will open their 2021 campaign with a match against Queens University of Charlotte on September 3rd.