The future of Mississippi State women’s basketball has begun to take shape with the naming of two assistant coaches and Anastasia Hayes’ announcement on Wednesday that she will return for her final season of eligibility.
Hayes’ return will be a very welcome sight for the Bulldogs. She was excellent this past season under Doug Novak, emerging as a key player on a thin roster who became the primary scoring option after Rickea Jackson’s departure.
Hayes earned a spot on the All-Southeastern Conference Second Team and was an honorable mention WBCA All-American after averaging 18.6 points and three assists during the 2021-22 season.
Because of the NCAA’s COVID-19 rules, she has one year of eligibility left, and she confirmed on Twitter that she will spend it in Starkville.
“After weighing my options and talking with my family, I am excited to say that I’m coming back to Mississippi State for my final year of eligibility!” Hayes posted. “This team will be special, and I believe in what Coach Purcell is building in Starkville, and I want to be a part of it. Hail State!”
A day earlier, Mississippi State announced that Sam Purcell had brought in Joi Williams to be assistant athletic director fro women’s basketball.
“Joi Williams is a huge addition to my staff,” Purcell said in a statement. “Joi checks every box that I am looking for when it comes to putting together the best staff in the country. She has experience as a head coach at the highest level and has spent time in the WNBA and with USA Basketball.
“She is a big addition to our program and someone that will be in the office daily in a non-coaching role. For our student-athletes, she will be a major resource because of the experience she brings, but most importantly, Joi is a winner, she is a great person, and she will positively impact our program every day.”
Williams has been the director of quality control at Clemson for the past two seasons and brings more than 20 years of coaching experience, including head coaching jobs at Murray State and the UCF, which she left as the winningest coach in Knights history.
“I am very excited and grateful to join Sam Purcell’s staff,” Williams said. “Mississippi State is a recognizable and respected brand across the country, especially in women’s basketball. I am really looking forward to returning to the Southeastern Conference, and I can’t wait to get to work and continue building that brand and help Mississippi State reach new heights.”
On Wednesday, State announced Purcell had hired Illinois assistant Corry Irvin as an assistant coach. Irvin spent two years at Saint Xavier University and 18 years as a high school coach in the Chicago area before joining the Illini.
“In order to be successful, you have to hire good people who work hard and have great relationships with others, and that is exactly who Corry Irvin is,” Purcell said. “I got the opportunity to meet Corry nearly 15 years ago when she dominated the high school ranks in Chicago as head coach at Whitney Young (High School), and the two of us have stayed in contact ever since. Her resume speaks volumes about the type of coach she is. She has won at every level of the game, and I know that she will help us win at Mississippi State.”
Irvin compiled a 449-77 record at Whitney Young, winning three state championships.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to join Sam Purcell and the amazing staff he is assembling to lead Mississippi State,” Irvin said. “Sam is one of the best young coaches in college basketball, and the vision he has to lead Mississippi State to new heights is something I believe in and am honored to be a part of.
“I am looking forward to being able to help our student-athletes grow both on and off the basketball court, and my family and I are excited to move to Starkville and be a part of a community that loves and supports women’s basketball. Hail State!”
Purcell’s season with Louisville ended in a Final Four loss to eventual champion South Carolina on Friday night, and he’s expected to arrive in Starkville soon to finalize his staff and get to work full time as the new head coach.
Purcell kept his promise to fulfill his obligations for a very talented Cardinals team, but he has done some work speaking with recruits and current players to sell them on his vision, which has started to take shape even before his arrival in Starkville.
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