McGivney named as VDN’s 2022 Head Softball Coach of the Year

From going 10-12-1 last season, the Lady Vikes quickly overcame adversity and finished with a 18-11 record this year which led to WC’s Dana McGivney being named as VDN’s 2022 Head Softball Coach of the Year.

Missing the playoffs in 2021 didn’t stop Warren Central softball team’s momentum for the following year as they quickly bounced back and finished second in the district and clinched a playoff berth.

“It felt real good to get back into the playoffs because last year was the first year and the only year that we haven’t made the playoffs but getting back into was a good feeling,” McGivney said.

WC started the season with two losses but quickly took a stance and went on a five game winning streak, including a 14-1 win over Grenada. By playing team-ball, the Lady Vikes, being built with mostly sophomores and juniors, continued to bring home victories.

“The reason for our success was because of team chemistry and the kids really seemed to like each other and they really played for one another,” McGivney said. Everything was a combined effort this year because we had different kids hitting better then in the previous year and some kids playing better defensively.”

The extra wins built plenty of confidence in WC’s playing ability. However, capturing wins over Clinton and Madison Central really put the Lady Vikes on the map.

“Those were two big games in the past several we haven’t beaten either of those teams but to have success over then this year is a big stepping stone for our program,” McGivney said.

Since taking over program the 2006, McGivney has led the Lady Vikes to greatness while remaining as the most dominant team in Warren County for multiple years.

Although McGivney oversees the team, she gives much credit to her assistant coaches Kacey Stewart and Mandy Fuller who put in countless hours which heavily contributed to the team’s success.

“You have to have good assistant coaches in order to be successful and they stepped in and took over a lot of the duties that I’m not able to do especially if I’m out but I knew i was leaving in capable hands and they could run the program without me there for that time,” McGivney said.

McGivney is now the second person to ever win this award and has no plans of slowing down while preparing her team for summer softball.

”It’s an honor to be recognized but it’s more about everyone who puts in the hard work from the managers to the parents on a daily basis.” My players are my family and whenever I step out on that field it’s my responsibility to equip them to not on be better softball players but to be better people as well.”

The Lady Vikes will return nearly everyone on the team next season. WC only graduated one senior, so the future of the softball team is looking bright.

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