BATON ROUGE, LA -- Southern University Athletics is proud to introduce Southern's Girl campaign, an initiative dedicated to spotlighting the women who define what it means to be a Jaguar. Beginning October 1, 2025, and continuing through March 2026, the campaign will feature two athletes from each women's sport, showcasing their excellence in competition, in the classroom, and in the community.
Southern Girl is more than a campaign. It is a reflection of identity, culture, and pride. Through strategic branding and marketing, the campaign positions Southern's women athletes as role models whose influence extends far beyond sports. Each spotlight will capture how they embody leadership, individuality, and confidence, allowing fans to connect with their stories on a deeper level.
The Southern Girl concept was first imagined as a golf tournament created and led by Phil Smith, Assistant Golf Coach. Building on his original vision, the campaign has grown into a university-wide initiative celebrating women across every sport.
The creative direction, produced by Mykah Mares, brings together themes of pageantry and the Jungle under the concept Grace in the Wild. The pageant element symbolizes poise, confidence, and presence, while the jungle theme represents The Bluff, the heart of Southern University, and emphasizes resilience, unity, and strength. Together, these themes express that being Southern's Girl means having the ability to carry grace, power, and identity into any environment.
To bring this vision to life, Southern University Athletics has partnered with the Anthony Lawrence Collection, London's Fashion Boutique, Hairology of BR, TBE Makeup Artistry, and Kendra Scott Perkins Rowe. Each partner plays a role in styling and presentation, ensuring the campaign not only celebrates athletic achievement but also elevates the image of each athlete.
The SU Mass Communication Department is also playing a key role by conducting individual Interviews with each featured athlete. Interviewers Eryka Jackson, Deanna Moncriffe, and Hailey Mitchell, videographers Timothy Emerson and Timothy Kullman, and project lead Shanodra Brown are helping capture the authentic voices of Southern Girl.
"These young women represent the very best of Southern," said Ajohnee Rodney, Chief of Staff and Associate Athletic Director of Administration. "Through this campaign, we are giving them the platform to tell their stories and inspire the next generation of Jaguars."
FEATURED ATHLETES
The Southern Girl campaign will spotlight two athletes from each women's sport:
Soccer: Gia Johnson and San'aa Doss
Cross Country: Doreen Onchangu and Camille Lewis
Volleyball: Zion Robinson and Elise Doomes
Cheerleading: Kourtney Cole and Kyleigh Davis
Basketball: Jocelyn Tate and DeMya Porter
Bowling: Angel Stein and Darian Mobley
Golf: Faith Ontune and Salma Ibrahim
Softball: Jordynn Jennings and Asia George
Tennis: Kai Wince and LaTesha Grant
Track & Field: Rondisia Williams and Tashina Alase
Athletes from soccer, cross country, volleyball, cheerleading, basketball, and more will be highlighted, offering fans and supporters an inside look at the personalities, passions, and the purpose driving Southern's student-athletes.
FOLLOW THE JAGUARS
For complete coverage of Southern University Athletics, please follow the Jaguars on social media at @SouthernUsports(Twitter), @SouthernUJaguars (Facebook), @southernusports (Instagram), or visit the official home of Southern University Athletics at www.gojagsports.com
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