Lumpkin named as the VDN Junior High Girl’s Basketball Coach of the Year

Latoya Lumpkin has been named the Vicksburg Daily News Junior High School girls’ basketball Coach of the Year.

Lumpkin, who is the head coach at Warren Central Junior High School, led the Lady Vikes to the semifinals in 2023.

“They did what I expected from them, especially with the challenges we faced, but I was very pleased with their work ethic and how we finished the season,” Lumpkin said.

The Lady Vikes struggled at the beginning of the season, but with Lumpkin’s leadership, WCJHS secured some key wins during the season, including defeating Vicksburg Junior High twice as they eventually advanced to the semifinals.

“We were challenged at the beginning because I had some girls who never played before, but they went from being unable to shoot to being able to play the game because I always preached that practice makes perfect and how you practice is how you’re going to play,” Lumpkin added.

Lumpkin has now successfully wrapped up her 12th season as head coach at WCJHS, and she is the second person to ever win this award.

“I’m very proud and ecstatic to receive this honor,” Lumpkin said. “I thank God, my husband, and my family, especially my two kids. My life is very busy, and I’m always on the go for other kids, but to have the support from my babies while mom is always at practice or games has helped me make it this far. Everyone who knows me understands I put them first and I make sure to attend everything they participate in, and I’m very blessed to have an awesome support system.”

“As a coach, you’re challenged with many obstacles, especially nowadays, but to receive awards and recognition like this, it makes you remember why God chose you. I love what I do, and it melts my heart when I see my former players and students doing great things with their future. My main goal is to build relationships with my players, parents, and my colleagues to ensure that the student is successful in the classroom and on the court.”

On left, Latoya Lumpkin speaks with player Arielle Ward. (Photo by Keith Phillips)