BOONEVILLE, Miss. - The Northeast Mississippi Community College men's golf program is entering its final season as a stand-alone act.
Northeast has announced the addition of a women's team to its athletic department beginning with the 2025-26 school year. Coach Leigh Treloar is already on the recruiting trail looking for talented players for her inaugural signing class.
It was the right move in the eyes of Derek DeVaughn, who is starting his sixth season as the headman of the Tigers since they were revived following a brief hiatus from intercollegiate competition.
"I've been asked I don't know how many millions of times through the years, 'Y'all going to have a women's team?'" he said. "I'm excited. That's going to help the kids around here. I think we hit a grand slam getting (Treloar) to become the girls golf coach. I can't wait to see exactly what she's going to put out there."
While the debut of the Lady Tigers is still approaching on the horizon, DeVaughn's focus is on his current group of guys back to the national tournament after failing to qualify for the first time in four years last spring.
"That wasn't a good feeling to stay at home," said DeVaughn. "I'm eager to change something. I'm planning to be (at nationals) in May. We've already had that conversation."
Four sophomores should boost the chances of making DeVaughn's goal a reality. Jackson Williams (Salem, Ala.) is the headliner after earning all-conference recognition during his initial campaign at Northeast.
Williams won medalist honors in his opener with the Tigers last fall following a thrilling two-hole playoff at West Point's Mossy Oak Golf Club. He ended the season with a No. 33 individual ranking rom Clippd.
Eric Webb (Germantown, Tenn.) came in just behind Williams with four top 15 finishes as a freshman. His best result was ninth place at Meridian Community College's annual Lou Hart Invitational.
"A few things have changed for (Jackson) and we're hoping for an even better outcome this year," DeVaughn said. "Eric's had some extra coaching this summer. He's really, really worked hard on putting."
Bryce Cooper (Booneville) made big strides over the summer while competing locally according to DeVaughn. Breland Wood (Puckett) also returns after participating in all nine events for Northeast one year ago.
The Tigers boast four newcomers as well to even up their roster. Three of them are from the Magnolia State, including Kye Dozier (Amory), Drew Jackson (Walnut) and Parker Owen (Myrtle).
Dozier was a four-time medalist for Class 4A runner-up Amory as a senior. He had an average of 74.9 shots per round with a season-low of 67 during their division tournament at the Iuka Country Club.
Owen placed in the top five at back-to-back Class 1A-2A championships as an upperclassman. Jackson checked in right behind him inside their respective division standings.
Holtz Helms (Arkadelphia, Ark.) was the fifth rated junior golfer by the Arkansas State Golf Association (ASGA). He secured All-State distinction last year after posting a three-over par 75 in the Class 4A championship.
"I expect a lot out of them," said DeVaughn. "They're all hanging out together. They've got a bond already and I think that's going to help us. You've got to have that chemistry. It just looks good right now.
"I think this team is very, very competitive. The scores are going to be close. When the lights come on, who can I depend on? I'm anxious to see who's going to come out on top."