Greg Head and Jeremy Lawrence: VDN Soccer Head Coaches of the Year

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) —

Success is rarely built overnight, and for Warren Central High School soccer coaches Jeremy Lawrence and Greg Head, years of consistency, dedication and belief have turned their programs into perennial championship contenders.

Lawrence and Head have been named the Vicksburg Daily News Girls’ and Boys’ Soccer Coaches of the Year after guiding the Lady Vikes and Vikings through another pair of standout seasons that reinforced Warren Central’s place among Mississippi’s top soccer programs.

Lawrence earned the honor for the third consecutive year after leading the Lady Vikes to a 14-7-1 record, a second straight district championship and a third consecutive appearance in the North State Championship game.

“We were obviously disappointed by the ending of it, but I love to see that we’re being consistent where it counts,” Lawrence said.

The Lady Vikes opened the season with a tough loss to Brandon before responding with victories over Vicksburg and Ridgeland. They added playoff wins over Olive Branch and Center Hill before their postseason run ended with a 1-0 loss to eventual state champion Saltillo in the third round.

“It was disappointing, but that team became the state champions and we almost beat them, so that tells you we’re right at the door and eventually it will open,” Lawrence said.

Lawrence also celebrated the growth of his program beyond the field. Seniors Jordan Polk and Emily Godshaw signed collegiate soccer scholarships, while Polk became the school’s all-time leading scorer.

“Considering we only had three seniors, that’s a good percentage and our girls are finally getting noticed, so that’s always a big thing,” Lawrence said.

Receiving Coach of the Year recognition for the third straight season was another milestone Lawrence credited to those around him.

“I’m honored that I could be considered for it and it motivates me to try harder, but I’m thankful for my family, assistant coach and all the parents and supporters out there,” he said.

While the accolades continue to grow, Lawrence said the ultimate goal remains unchanged — bringing a state championship to Warren Central.

Greg Head:

Head guided the Vikings to an 18-5-1 record and a third consecutive trip to the North State playoffs.

“Overall it was a rollercoaster ride and plus we played some young guys. To win as many games was great,” Head said.

Like the girls’ team, the Vikings also dropped their season opener before using the setback as motivation. Warren Central responded with an eight-game winning streak and later earned playoff victories over Olive Branch and Saltillo.

The Vikings established themselves as one of the area’s most dominant teams, often putting opponents away early. Warren Central defeated every district opponent at least once, but a 2-1 loss to Callaway prevented the Vikings from securing a third straight district championship.

“It killed us knowing that we were the better team and both times we outshot them, but you got to be clicking on all cylinders,” Head said.

About a month later, the Vikings earned redemption by defeating Callaway. Warren Central also became the only team from its district to advance beyond the opening round of the playoffs.

The program also celebrated two collegiate signees as Jonah Artman and Luke Bond signed scholarships to continue their soccer careers.

“It’s always big when players sign because as a coach it’s exciting to see kids play on another level,” Head said.

Head said the Coach of the Year award belongs as much to his players as it does to him.

“I appreciate the award because it reflects the kids because they do all the hard work and it’s an honor to be recognized for your work,” he said.

As both programs continue knocking on the door of a state championship, Lawrence and Head have built more than winning teams. They have created cultures of consistency, accountability and opportunity, proving that sustained success is measured not only by victories and trophies, but by the lives they impact and the standard they continue to raise each season.