Sports
Megan Theriot and Maddy Pant: VDN Co-Softball Players of the Year
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VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — When it comes to hitting the ball, two athletes immediately come to mind. Megan Theriot and Maddy Pant both mastered the game this season and proved they could hit anything thrown their way as they finished with the two highest batting averages in Warren County.
Theriot and Pant have been named the Vicksburg Daily News 2025-26 Co-Softball Players of the Year after dominant seasons filled with big hits, memorable moments and leadership on the field.
Theriot shines as hitting machine
The Theriot name holds weight when it comes to athletes, and Megan Theriot continued building that reputation with a standout junior season at St. Aloysius.
Theriot has been a starter since the end of her seventh-grade year and has improved her numbers every season. After finishing with 22 hits last year, she dominated in 2026 with 38 hits, three home runs, 21 RBIs and a .475 batting average.
“I worked all summer with my brother and I stayed focused, but most of all I wanted to hit,” Theriot said.
The season was filled with highlights for Theriot as accomplishments continued to follow her because of her experience and ability at the plate. One of her best performances came in a 17-7 victory over Riverfield Academy when she went 5-for-5 with two RBIs.
Theriot’s hitting only became more impressive throughout the season as she surpassed 100 career hits. By the end of the year, she stood tall with 119 career hits.
She maintained her reputation as a hitting machine by recording a hit in 23 of 24 games this season.
Midway through the season, Theriot delivered one of the biggest moments of the year when she tied the game against Central Hinds with a home run.
“We had some heated rivalry going into that game so it was awesome when I did that,” she said.
The home run marked her third of the season.
Although her hitting stood out the most, Theriot’s speed also created problems for opponents. She scored a run in 17 of 24 games and set the county single-season stolen base record with 33 steals.
At St. Aloysius’ athletic banquet, Theriot received the Flashes Co-Offensive MVP award and the Coach Howard Park Award. She was also named First Team All-District.
This marks the first time Theriot has earned Vicksburg Daily News Player of the Year honors.
“I’m very honored because I didn’t expect it, but I wouldn’t be here without my coaches and teammates getting me here,” Theriot said.
With another year ahead of her, Theriot said she plans to stay consistent and let the game take her where she needs to be on her quest toward greatness.
Pant dominates at the plate and in the circle
When it came to hitting this season, Maddy Pant got the job done.
Pant finished her senior year with the highest batting average by any starter in Warren County. On the softball field, she became one of the most feared athletes because of her ability not only to hit, but also to strike batters out with ease as her arm routinely sent some of the best hitters back to the dugout.
Pant helped lead Warren Central to the playoffs every year she was a starter, although the Lady Vikes’ season ended in the first round this year.
“Even though we lost, I believe we worked hard and I had a really good bond with MK (catcher),” Pant said.
At the beginning of the season, Pant set a goal to bat over .500, and with a strong mindset she worked toward making that happen.
After putting in extra work with her trainers and coaches, Pant’s numbers flourished. She finished with a .514 batting average along with 31 hits, three home runs and 29 RBIs.
“I worked a lot with my hitting coach, Roosevelt, and he pushed me into being a better hitter,” Pant said.
For the last three years, Pant has been the face of Warren Central’s softball program. From throwing no-hitters to hitting the ball out of the park, she proved she could do it all.
One of her favorite moments came against crosstown rival Vicksburg when she hit two home runs in the game.
“That was a really big moment,” she added.
Pant improved from 21 hits in 2025 to 38 hits in 2026 and has now signed a collegiate scholarship with Lyon College.
Like Theriot, this marks Pant’s first time earning Vicksburg Daily News Player of the Year honors.
“I’m thankful to have this opportunity and I’m grateful for those who helped me get here,” Pant said. “I want to thank my family and friends for always supporting me.”
