The third-inning go-ahead home run eventually led to the Plainsmen's first win over the Indians in three seasons. In the at-bat, McKinney nearly popped up to first base before making a second chance hurt.

On the play, the glove fell off the hand of Central's first baseman, allowing McKinney to stay alive for another pitch. 

"My coach (Luke Andrews) actually gave me the bunt sign first," McKinney said. "Luckily, the girl dropped it. On the next pitch, (Central's Katie Hinz) pitched it outside, and I happen to hit an oppo home run.

"(My power) is typically up the middle. It was just a perfect pitch, and I went with it the other way."

Added Andrews: "We had runners on first and second with no outs. That was the idea behind bunting, which we don't always do with our four hole. But, in that situation, it was a close game. She's able to sit back and see the ball a long time and go the other way.

"She's really confident, and that doesn't waver. Lately, we've been focused on trying to keep her hands above the barrel. She's someone that really understands the game and changes her approach based on who were playing."

McKinney feels that LHS' pitching is in a great spot, with teammates Amanda Kricken and Calli Cass looking as good as ever early in the season. Kricken and Cass give Laramie a three-headed pitching attack along with Paige Kuhn.

"Amanda pitched against Central, and that was probably the best I've ever seen her pitch," McKinney said. "I think it was a combination of adrenaline and all the hard work she's put in. Calli pitched against South, which was obviously a great game."

LHS sits at 4-1 on the season, with wins against Cheyenne South, Central and two wins over Wheatland. Three of those four wins have come by at least 14 runs.

"We've played really good, and our team chemistry has been great," McKinney said. "We hit well, and our defense has looked really good."

That start bodes well for McKinney's ultimate goal this season of helping lead the Plainsmen to the 4A state tournament. LHS has made the state tournament once over the last three seasons (2022).

As a result of being obsessed with the team goal, McKinney hasn't set a personal goal for this season. Instead, she's focused on being a conductor for the team.

"She does a good job of telling people what needs to happen," Andrews said. "We can always count on her to go out and compete, giving us her best shot."

Her team-first approach translates to her approach at the plate.

McKinney said if there are runners on base, her priority is to move them into scoring position or drive them. But, if there aren't runners on, her priority becomes getting herself into scoring position. 

McKinney thrives on pitches early in an at-bat and identified herself as a first-pitch hunter. She likes to hit early in the count before having the opportunity to fall behind.

"Hitting up in the count makes it a lot easier mentally for me," McKinney said. "I still feel confident when hitting off-speed pitches; I just don't think I'll have as solid of a hit."

A hitter's power decreases once they get behind in the count and enter their two-strike approach. The approach consists of a shortened stride and swing and takes away a hitter's normal load. 

Andrews said she believes her abilities in the field can't be overlooked due McKinney always knowing where the ball needs to go. McKinney feels the toughest play for her to make is the backhanded pick play at first base.

"I work a ton on backhanded picks," McKinney said. "When balls are hit forcing a backhand, or when balls are throw to me backhanded, it can be difficult to pick those."

McKinney, along with many of her teammates, play for Laramie Girls Softball in the Amateur Athletic Union. The team is coached by her father, Marty, and Nick Hauser.

Playing together nearly every weekend during the summer has given the Plainsmen a high level of team confidence to start the year. McKinney feels like the team vibes were already high, but adding the win over Central put LHS in a different stratosphere of confidence. 

She is hoping that her senior class has created a lasting feeling of family within the program. 

"Coach asked us, 'What's one goal that we can all come up with?' and I said, 'Future family,'" McKinney said. "That includes me staying in touch with the girls I play with now and them doing their part to stay in touch with everyone even after this is done."

Laramie softball returns next week with a quartet of games against Gillette schools. The Plainsmen play doubleheaders against Thunder Basin on April 5 and Campbell County on April 6.