Stephen Anderson Sr. Selected to Officiate the SWAC Softball Championship

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Vicksburg native Stephen Anderson Sr. was recently selected to officiate the SWAC Softball Championship Tournament, after being chosen from a pool of more than 100 officials considered for the prestigious event.

The tournament took place last weekend in Gulfport, Mississippi, and Anderson learned of his selection just a few weeks prior.

“I felt accomplished because it’s definitely something I strive for,” Anderson said. “I’ve been working on my craft. My mentor, David Erwin—the first Black person to officiate the World Series—helped me identify areas I needed to improve. I knew my opportunity would come.”

A total of 14 games were played during the tournament, and Anderson officiated in nine of them. He primarily worked third base but also spent time behind the plate, including during the championship game, where Jackson State University defeated Florida A&M University 3-1 on Sunday.

“After the first strike, it was about settling into the usual mechanics,” he added. “I just enjoyed being in that culture.”

Anderson’s impressive résumé includes officiating the Championship Series in the Division III Conference in 2023. In 2024, he was one of only seven officials selected from over 4,500 referees in Mississippi to officiate the high school football state championship game.

“Hard work pays off, and I try to be the best example,” Anderson said. “You’re only as great as the next person you help—something George Smith taught me.”

Anderson is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity where he mentors the youth in our community. He is also the director of Guide Right which is over the Kappa League Group.