Simone McKinney enters her fourth year on head coach Christie Meeks' staff in the 2023-24 season.

McKinney helped lead Pearl River to an incredible 43-13 overall record, 22-6 conference record and a perfect 20-0 record at Wildcat Stadium during the 2023 season. PRCC's 43 wins were the most in a single season in program history. 

In 2022, McKinney helped the Wildcats finished with a 31-17 record including a 20-8 finish in MACCC play. Pearl River climbed high into the rankings, checking in as high as No. 6.

The 2021 season saw the Wildcats finish with a 27-15 record and a national ranking as high as No. 13.

The Gulfport native works with outfielders and slap-hitters. She will also help to coordinate fundraising efforts.

McKinney joined the Wildcat staff after graduating from Alcorn State. At the time the 2020 season was halted, the All-SWAC preseason selection was leading the Braves with a .333 average through 25 games. McKinney also racked up 26 hits with three doubles, six RBIs and five stolen bases.

As a junior, McKinney was a second team All-SWAC selection. She led ASU with a .322 average with 16 runs scored, eight RBIs and two doubles. She also registered nine multi-hit games, including ASU's only two four-hit performances of the season. She finished her career having started in 60 of 64 games in center field and having batted in either the first or second spot in the lineup.

McKinney also got it done in the classroom in Lorman as she earned a 4.0 GPA in three semesters and was a two-time SWAC Commissioner's Honor Roll selection.

PRIOR PLAYING EXPERIENCE
McKinney transferred to ASU from Jones College, where she was a critical piece of the Bobcats' 2018 National Championship team. During that season, McKinney hit .403 with 32 runs scored, 25 hits, one double, 11 RBIs and 10 stolen bases.

Prior to breaking her leg as a freshman on JC's 55-win 2017 squad, McKinney still hit .318 with two doubles, one triple, two RBIs, three walks and one stolen base in seven games.

Prior to playing collegiately, McKinney built a reputation as a true winner and determined competitor while starring at perennial powerhouse Harrison Central in Gulfport.

During her prep career, McKinney hit a robust .448 with a .499 on-base percentage, 176 hits, 141 runs scored, 37 RBIs, 10 doubles, five triples and four homers. Her 43 stolen bases are a school record. She was also a MHSAA 6A State Champion in 2016, '15 and '14.

As a senior, McKinney really broke out, hitting .605 with 45 runs scored and was named an All-American. She also earned a spot on the MHSAA All-State squad and was a two-time selection on the Sun Herald's All-South Mississippi team. 

McKinney graduated in May 2020 with a Bachelor's degree in psychology. She is currently working toward her Master's degree in social work at Southern Miss.

McKinney is the daughter of Lee McKinney and Christina Waugh and has two siblings, Alexis and Bryce.