McGivney named as VDN’s 2023 Softball Coach of the Year

Dana McGivney of Warren Central High School has been named the 2023 VDN Softball Coach of the Year. Under McGivney’s leadership, the Lady Vikes achieved an 18-14 record and reached the second round of the playoffs.

“I thought it was a pretty good season we just started a little bit slow and had some bumps along the way but defensively I think we played well all season long and that’s the main thing because you want your kids to play together and work as a team,” McGivney said.

By the time WC entered district play, they had corrected many mistakes and secured wins over Terry and Pearl, while also coming close to defeating No.1 Northwest Rankin.

“That made me feel good because when you’re playing well against No.1, 2, and 3 teams in the state and holding them to one run and sometimes beating them, it kinda lets you know what type of team you are,”‘ McGivney said.

Under McGivney’s leadership, WC lived up to its expectations by defeating St. Martin in the first round of the playoffs and securing an 8-4 victory over No.2 Brandon in the second round, although they fell short in game three.

“Everybody wanted that second win over Brandon but I feel like they worked hard, they played hard and they pushed each other to be better so we had a good run,” McGivney said.

Despite the season ending in a heartbreaking manner, McGivney had the opportunity to witness all three of her seniors, Abigail Morgan, Lola Crozier and Kayleigh Karel, sign collegiate scholarships.

“All three are playing at the next level and two of our juniors have committed but just to realize that the program is on the right path and people on the next level are taking notice of our kids it makes me feel really good,” McGivney said.

After maintaining the Viking program for 17 years, McGivney announced that she will be taking a job as the head coach at Oxford High School.

“It was a very hard decision and the hardest part is leaving these kids because they’re my family and this program is a part of me and I’ve been here basically my entire coaching career as a head coach but its time,” McGivney added.

Although McGivney will no longer be the leader of the team, she left a special message for the players.

“I love them and I’m always here for them and it’s not just about softball and it’s about being good people,” McGivney added.

McGivney winning this award for the second consecutive year is a testament to her dedication and hard work, making her an obvious and deserving choice.

“I’m excited it’s always but it’s not really about me and it’s more about my team and assistant coaches because it is a total team effort,” McGivney added.