MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama volleyball team will hold its first official practice of the 2016 season on Mon., Aug. 8 at Jag Gym.

USA will work out for two hours Monday morning before returning for a scrimmage later that afternoon. The Jaguars will go through three weeks of preseason workouts before opening the season at the Samford Invitational Aug. 26-27 in Birmingham, Ala.

South Alabama returns 11 letterwinners and five starters from last year's squad, including three-time all-Sun Belt Conference recipient Mechell Daniel, which made its third consecutive SBC Tournament appearance. USA will also welcome six newcomers to this season's roster.

"Our team excites my staff and I because when we look at the roster top to bottom we have maturity, eager newcomers, depth and leadership. Our gym culture will be competitive. Over the course of this past year, our team has become more united as a team and focused on their chemistry. However, with having a large team our potential will be reached if each member of this team is able to give up a little bit of their personal goals for the good of the team."

The Jaguars will host their annual Red-Blue scrimmage, which is open to the public, at 6:30 p.m. Sat., Aug. 20 at Jag Gym. Prior to the Red-Blue scrimmage, USA will host a free clinic for children of all ages from 4-5:30 p.m.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).