May 8, 2008

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss women's basketball coach Joye Lee-McNelis announced Thursday the signing of 6-foot-2 post player Ashley Martin (Memphis, Tenn.) for the 2008-09 season.

Martin, who played the last two seasons at Bevill State Community College in Fayette, Ala., averaged 13.1 points and 8.8 rebounds for coach Joe Richardson. During her time there, she was a first-team all-state selection twice, a first-team all-region pick two times and a first-team all-tournament selection in both her years there.

"I am excited to have Ashley as a part of our program," said McNelis. "She gives us an added dimension that we so desperately need. She has a great body that can post up down low and will make our high-low game even better. Ashley is a first class young lady with a passion to excel in the classroom and on the court. We are very honored to have Ashley as a Lady Eagle."

Prior to her two years at Bevill State, Martin attended South Side High where she averaged 12 points and 9 rebounds per tilt for coach Carl Nelson.

"I chose to attend the University of Southern Mississippi because it is a school that will benefit me in becoming the best person I can be on and off the court," Martin said. "I was looking for a team where I can be part of a family and on top of that have fun while getting my education. Southern Miss fits all the descriptions of what I'm looking for in a school. I am committed to giving the coaching staff and my future professors 150 percent of hard work. I'm ready to wear Black and Gold with pride and represent the University of Southern Mississippi with the utmost class."

Martin joins 5-foot-10 guard Candace Rucker (Memphis, Tenn.) and 5-foot-4 guard Erin Gatling (Van Buren, Ark.), who have signed to play for the Lady Eagles next season.