Briana Knox: VDN’s 2025 Softball Head Coach of the Year

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — After leading the Missy Gators to the playoffs in 2025, along with doubling the program’s win total from 2024, Briana Knox has been selected as VDN’s Softball Coach of the Year. Knox, a second-year Head Coach at Vicksburg High School, oversaw the program, which went 10-13 this year while also advancing to the first round of the playoffs.

“We had very positive energy with everyone, and we never stopped fighting, and I had a lot of players step up, so everyone brought something to the table,” Knox said.

Fighting for one another is something VHS did best under Knox’s leadership. After falling short in their first nine games of the season, the Missy Gators eventually got back to their winning ways.

“I think they got tired of my long talks,” Knox said jokingly. “I think it started when I began to connect with every child on the team.

By midseason, VHS looked like a brand new team as they became the stars of the show during their annual cancer strikeout tournament just before getting ready for district play. 

The Missy Gators traveled to Ridgeland in the second half of the season to pick up their first district win, where they won 20-8. They would go on to defeat the Lady Titans again, 18-2, before facing their biggest challenges across town.

A highlight of the season — and of Knox’s coaching career — came on April 15, when the Missy Gators defeated crosstown rival Warren Central 7-4. The win marked the first time in school history VHS had beaten WC in fast-pitch softball. Just two weeks earlier, VHS had fallen 18-0 to the Lady Vikes.

“The first time we played them, we were all exhausted because we played three games that week due to makeups, but I told them that next time we want to defeat, no exceptions,” Knox said. “Everyone was just locked in during that second game, and that win was huge because the team is still talking about it.”

Vicksburg defeated Terry 15-5 before heading into the playoffs to face Grenada (18-8). VHS won Game 1, 8-6, but Grenada took the next two games, ending the Missy Gators’ season. Despite the final loss, Knox praised her team’s effort.

“When it came to an end, I wasn’t emotional because we never were defeated, and we did all we could do, Knox added. All we can do is be great and be the best we can be.”

Knox took over as head coach late last school year, inheriting a program without any seniors. In just one season, she helped rebuild the team’s culture and momentum. She credited her five seniors — Lili Kistler, Zion Harvey, Makynzie Dunmore, Avery VanNorman, and Trinity McGloster — for their leadership.

“To my five seniors, thank you all for letting me coach you, and I wish you the very best as you go off into college.” I love you,” she said.

2025 marks the first year Knox has received the Coach of the Year Award.

“I have a lot more work to do as a coach, but I’m appreciative of everything that does not go unrecognized, and I’m very grateful to help these children be better than they were yesterday.”

Knox was assisted by coaches Hugh Guest and Tracey Fletcher. The Missy Gators ended the season with six players batting over .300, and two athletes are set to continue their softball careers in college.