Ginger Hayden enters MSU as its first recruit in the horizonal jumps during Dixon’s tenure. The Newport, N.C., native and Croatan High School graduate placed fifth in the long jump and 10th in the triple jump at the 2023 North Carolina Class 3A State Track and Field Championships. As a junior, she also was 10th at the meet in the triple jump.

Hayden was named the 2023 Coastal Conference 3A Female Field Athlete of the Year. She captured the regional crowns in both the long and triple jumps, as well as the high jump, during the recently-completed outdoor season, helping Croatan to win the team title. An accomplished athlete, Hayden also earned all-area honors in basketball and lacrosse.