HATTIESBURG, MS — In a groundbreaking act of philanthropy that has left the Southern Miss and wider college sports community in awe, Scott Berry, longtime baseball coach and current Assistant Athletic Director at the University of Southern Mississippi, has announced a personal investment of $40 million to convert a historic family estate into a state-of-the-art shelter for orphaned and vulnerable youth in the Hattiesburg area.
The project, which Berry has named “Golden Haven,” is being hailed as one of the most significant charitable gestures ever made by a college athletics figure in the state of Mississippi.
💬 A Legacy Beyond the Diamond
Berry, who stepped down from coaching in 2023 after a storied career leading the Golden Eagles baseball program, said the decision came from a lifelong conviction to “give back in a way that truly matters.”
“My life has been blessed through baseball and the Southern Miss community,” Berry shared in a press conference. “Now it’s time to use what I’ve been given to build something that lasts — not in trophies or wins, but in lives changed.”
The 12-acre property, located just minutes from the Southern Miss campus, will be fully renovated into a multifunctional residential center with space for up to 60 children, along with on-site counseling, education rooms, mentorship hubs, and recreational facilities.
🛠️ The Project Plan
Construction on Golden Haven is expected to begin this fall, with completion projected by late 2026. The shelter will be operated in partnership with local nonprofits, child advocacy groups, and the Southern Miss School of Social Work, giving students opportunities to intern and serve in the community.
Key Features:
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Private living quarters for youth ages 8–18
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Full-service kitchen and dining facilities
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Learning and tutoring spaces with computer labs
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Gym and recreational field sponsored by former USM athletes
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Round-the-clock care staff and on-site educators
🧡 Community Reaction
The announcement was met with an emotional outpouring of support from Southern Miss fans, alumni, and Hattiesburg residents.
“This is Scott Berry in his purest form,” said USM President Dr. Joseph Paul. “A leader, a mentor, and now a visionary who sees the power of sports and service coming together to build a better future.”
Former players from Berry’s coaching days are already rallying behind the project, with several organizing a Golden Haven Alumni Charity Game to raise awareness and funds for ongoing support.
🎓 A New Chapter in Service
Berry’s transition from sports to service echoes his career ethos: humility, dedication, and uplifting others. While many expected Berry to enjoy a quiet retirement after decades in coaching, he made it clear that his journey was just beginning.
“I’ll always love the game,” Berry said, “but this… this is the most important thing I’ve ever done.”
📢 Stay Tuned:
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Groundbreaking Ceremony: October 12, 2025
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Fundraising Site: GoldenHavenUSM.org (launching soon)
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Support Options: Donations, volunteering, and naming opportunities for program wings
