Brian Ellis: VDN’s 2026 Softball Head Coach of the Year

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — 

Three years into his tenure as head coach, Brian Ellis has kept the Warren Central High School softball program among the top teams in Warren County. Another winning season saw the Lady Vikes compete against some of the state’s best teams in their pursuit of a state championship.

Ellis has been named the 2026 Vicksburg Daily News Softball Coach of the Year.

Warren Central finished the season with a 17-12 overall record and earned a postseason berth.

“We did great, but I thought we would get another 20-win season,” Ellis said. “Getting put out in the first round hurt, but outside of that we had a lot of individual improvements on top of us being so young.”

Behind a talented group of young hitters and pitchers, the Lady Vikes finished second in district play. Warren Central also had four games in which it scored more than 20 runs and featured three hitters who batted above .400 and nine who finished the season batting above .300.

Although the Lady Vikes enjoyed a successful regular season, their postseason run ended quickly with two losses to Lake Cormorant in the opening round of the playoffs.

Despite the early exit, the program celebrated a pair of major accomplishments as seniors Maddy Pant and Anzley Keen signed collegiate softball scholarships.

“It’s always big to have players sign because my job is not just coaching softball,” Ellis said. “My ultimate goal is to always have my players do great academically and play on the next level.”

Before arriving at Warren Central three years ago, Ellis spent several seasons as head coach at Vicksburg High School, where he won multiple district championships. This marks the second time he has been named Vicksburg Daily News Softball Coach of the Year during his tenure with the Lady Vikes.

“It’s always a humbling deal, and I wouldn’t be receiving this award if it wasn’t for the kids,” Ellis said. “It’s all about the kids because if they’re not successful, then I’m not successful. I do this because I’m passionate about the sport and the kids.”