Introducing our WXXV Student Athlete of the Week, Vancleave’s Dane McElroy

We’re in the thick of high school baseball on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Vancleave is home to one of the hottest arms on the mound in state and even the nation. He slings it on the mound, makes the plays at second and even is clutch at the plate for the blue and white. Introducing our WXXV Student Athlete of the Week, Vancleave’s Dane McElroy!

Like many here in South Mississippi, it didn’t take long for senior Dane McElroy to find out that baseball was one of the sports for him. He grew up on the hardwood too, but sharing the dirt with his cousin and early accomplishments in his career made him realize it’s where he’s meant to be, and where we are now is truly remarkable. Before this week of district play began, not only did the Vancleave veteran have a 4-0 win record with 39 strikeouts, but also a 0.00 ERA meaning no earned runs were scored against him in the process. His steamy fast ball and wicked slider have helped him get to this point, but McElroy credits the accomplishment to his guys behind him.

The diamond dawgs are thick as thieves this season with six seniors leading the way. They’ve been through it all together and they’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders. This senior class was also sophomores with the Vancleave Bulldogs brought home the 2024 Class 5A State Championship title! McElroy contributed to that historical win and he wants nothing more than to bring it back to “The V.”

Once the 2026 season comes to an end, McElroy’s time on the diamond still isn’t complete! The righty and second baseman will be taking his talents to Jackson as his joins the baseball program at Millsaps College. Congratulations Dane on yet another successful season thus far, and we look forward to seeing what all you accomplish in the years to come!