Aug. 18, 2025 — Leah Walker of Lewisburg has been recognized as one of Northeast Mississippi Community College’s top student-athletes, earning the prestigious Tiger Award for the 2024-25 academic year.
The Tiger Award is the highest individual honor presented annually by Northeast athletics, recognizing student-athletes who consistently represent themselves and their teams in a positive manner. Walker, a standout freshman shortstop for the Tigers’ softball program, was one of 12 recipients this year.
Walker quickly made her mark in her first collegiate season, leading the Tigers in nearly every major offensive category. She posted a .429 batting average, a .505 on-base percentage, 70 hits, 60 runs scored, 19 doubles and nine triples.
Photos courtesy Ryan Moreland, Northeast Mississippi Community College
“She tries to make people around her better and tries to lead by her actions,” head coach Jody Long said. “She’s one of those kids that tries to do everything right — whether it be in the classroom, on the field or in the community.”
The Lewisburg High School alum’s strong performance helped Northeast softball remain competitive in one of the toughest junior college conferences in the country. Her ability to spark the offense and contribute on defense earned her the nod as the team’s Tiger Award winner.
Northeast honored 12 athletes across all sports programs this year, marking the largest number of Tiger Award recipients in school history.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
