BATON ROUGE, LA — Southern University Athletics proudly introduces the 2026-27 Southern's Girl class, celebrating nine women student-athletes whose journeys reflect the excellence, resilience, and individuality found across The Bluff.
This year's campaign, "In Full Bloom," is rooted in a simple idea: giving our women their flowers.
Each student-athlete featured has a different Southern story. Some arrived on The Bluff carrying generations of Southern pride, while others found a new home and community when they arrived. Some are already on journeys filled with defining moments, while others are just beginning to discover what their Southern experience will become.
Together, their stories represent women growing into who they are meant to be.
The 2026-27 Southern's Girl class features Zaria Hurston (Women's Basketball), Najah Harris (Volleyball), J'Lea Berry (Soccer), Alanna Jones (Bowling), Taylor Hankton (Track & Field), Aaliyah Zabala (Softball), Chloe Ajodha (Golf), Aqeela Malik (Tennis) and Erlaysia Reese (Cheer).
Throughout the campaign, we highlight each woman beyond her sport. Their stories explore the moments, people, and experiences that have shaped their time at Southern, from championship runs and unforgettable performances to friendships, mentorship, family legacies, and the everyday moments that made The Bluff feel like home.
In Full Bloom also celebrates the growth that cannot always be measured by a scoreboard. The campaign explores confidence, independence, resilience, belonging, and the ways the Southern experience continues to shape these women beyond competition. The campaign continues the purpose of Southern's Girl by creating space to recognize the women who represent Southern University Athletics and allowing them to tell their stories in their own way. Giving someone their flowers is about celebrating who they are, what they have accomplished, and who they are becoming.
Bringing "In Full Bloom" to Life
The 2026-27 campaign was creatively directed by Mykah Mares, Social Media and Branding Coordinator, with photography by Tristan Holiday, Southern University senior, and Unseld Johnson, Southern University junior. Taylor DeBourg, Assistant Director of Marketing and Development, also contributed to the campaign's production.
Local creatives and businesses brought the vision to life, helping transform the concept into the final production. The Anthony Lawrence Collection provided clothing for the campaign, while Charlesha Henry of CEE Beauty and Summer Jefferson of Summer's Lane served as makeup artists, helping create the polished editorial look behind this year's Southern Girl campaign.
Their contributions helped make In Full Bloom a collaborative celebration of Southern women, creativity and community. As another year begins on The Bluff, these nine women stand at different points in their Southern journeys, each continuing to grow, evolve and leave her own mark.
Every flower tells a story. These are theirs.
