KeKe McKay, Marley Bufkin, and Kyleigh Cooper Share VDN Softball Player of the Year Honors

VICKSBURG, Miss.(VDN) — KeKe McKay, Marley Bufkin, and Kyleigh Cooper each mastered their craft during the 2024-2025 softball season, leading to an unprecedented three-way tie for the VDN Softball Player of the Year Award. The talented trio will share the prestigious honor after outstanding individual performances across the county.

McKay shined for Warren Central, leading the county in hits and Bufkin maintained the highest batting average while starring for Porter’s Chapel Academy. Cooper had the county’s second highest batting average while also pitching St. Aloysius to multiple wins as a 4-year starter.

KeKe McKay – Warren Central

A standout sophomore, McKay led Warren County in hits and anchored Warren Central’s offense all season. Her work ethic, hitting lessons, and extra hours after practice are things McKay said helped her finish with 31 hits, 19 RBIs, and a .360 batting average.

“My work ethic completely changed this year, and the people around me kept me motivated to do great,” McKay said.

Initially expected to take on more pitching duties, McKay instead found her rhythm at the plate. One of her top performances came against Ridgeland, where she went 2-for-3 with three RBIs. She also made an impact on the mound, striking out 15 batters in a game against Brookhaven.

McKay’s contributions helped Warren Central reach the second round of the playoffs under Head Coach Brian Ellis. The Lady Vikes finished as the No. 2 team in their district, thanks in large part to McKay’s breakout year.

Her rise to stardom began last season as a freshman, when she tallied 24 hits, 22 RBIs, and a .312 batting average. Now gaining recognition beyond Warren County, McKay recently received her first collegiate scholarship offer from East Central Community College.

“I feel like I’ve worked hard and I’m happy to be seen,” she said. “I’m also grateful for this award and ready to begin training for next season.”

With two seasons left at WC, McKay is set to continue advancing her skills as summer practices begin in June.

Marley Bufkin – Porter’s Chapel Academy

For four consecutive years, Marley Bufkin posted the highest batting average in Warren County. The senior slugger ended her final high school season with a .452 batting average, 28 hits, and two home runs.

“I had a really good time with my teammates, and I feel like I played to the best of my abilities this year,” Bufkin said.

Bufkin’s consistent excellence earned her Team MVP and Offensive Player of the Year honors. She was also selected to play in the MAIS All-Star Game, gaining statewide recognition.

“I was really excited for it—it was a fun opportunity, and I had a great time,” she said.

A fierce competitor with a deep love for the game, Bufkin struck out only twice all season. Her work ethic is legendary, often taking hundreds of swings off the tee during practice.

“I had to work at it a lot, but I’m glad it paid off,” she said.

Bufkin is a 4-time All-County selection, 3-time All-District honoree, and now a first-time VDN Player of the Year awardee.

“It’s an honor, and I’m grateful that I was selected,” she said.

One of her standout performances came against Madison St. Joe, where she went 3-for-4 with four RBIs. Bufkin concluded her stellar career under Head Coach Billy White. Though she received interest from several colleges, Bufkin has decided to retire from softball and will attend Mississippi State University to major in Biological Sciences.

Kyleigh Cooper – St. Aloysius

A dominant pitcher known for her command on the mound, Kyleigh Cooper proved in her senior year that she’s just as dangerous with a bat in her hands. The 5-year varsity starter finished the season with a .439 batting average, 25 hits, 11 RBIs, and 59 strikeouts.

Focused on winning and setting personal goals, Cooper revitalized St. Aloysius’s softball program while surpassing 500 career strikeouts—a rare feat.

Though known primarily for her pitching, Cooper batted over .400 in each of the last four seasons, showing consistent production at the plate.

Midway through her senior year, Cooper suffered a hand injury and missed four games. She returned just in time to help her team in a key matchup against Adams County Christian, where she scored the game-winning run.

One of her finest games was a 9-5 win over defending state champions Briarfield. She had two hits, one RBI, and struck out four batters in the victory.

Cooper is no stranger to the VDN Player of the Year Award—she first earned the honor as a freshman after striking out nearly 150 batters. She remains the only two-time recipient of the award.

Though she originally signed with Mississippi Delta Community College, Cooper has also decided to step away from competitive softball.