Jacksonville State hiring Southern Miss assistant to lead baseball program
Southern Miss finished the season 44-17 and won the Sun Belt Conference tournament championship with an 11-7 victory over Louisiana.
Olivia Bennett 
Jacksonville State has officially appointed Southern Miss assistant Travis Creel as the new head coach of its baseball program. The university confirmed the hiring on Sunday evening as the Gamecocks look to move forward following the departure of former head coach Steve Bieser, who recently took the head coaching job at Grand Canyon.
A Proven Background
Creel arrives in Jacksonville after spending seven successful seasons on the staff at his alma mater, Southern Miss. During the most recent campaign, he served as the program's hitting coach, helping guide the Golden Eagles to a stellar 44-17 record. The season was highlighted by a Sun Belt Conference tournament championship, secured with an 11-7 victory over Louisiana.
Jax State vice president for athletics Greg Seitz praised the move, noting Creel's extensive experience at a high level. "Throughout this process, we were looking for a leader who could build upon the championship foundation of our baseball program while positioning us for continued success in the future," Seitz said. "Travis has been an integral part of one of the most successful programs in college baseball and has consistently demonstrated the ability to recruit, develop and retain outstanding student-athletes."
Building a Championship Culture
Creel expressed his enthusiasm for taking the helm at a program that continues to trend upward. "I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Jax State baseball program," Creel said. "This is a program with a proud tradition, outstanding facilities, tremendous support and a clear commitment to winning at the highest level."
Before his tenure at Southern Miss, Creel gained valuable experience at Louisiana Tech, where he helped the team reach the NCAA tournament. His coaching resume also includes stints at Jones County Junior College and Meridian Community College. A native of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, Creel is now tasked with leading a Gamecocks squad that finished last season with a 48-15 record, a Conference USA title, and an appearance in the Hattiesburg Regional, where they notably defeated Virginia twice before falling to Little Rock in the final.
