When McKenzie Cole was toying with the idea of competing in the Miss Mississippi USA Pageant, she initially hesitated. At only 18, she thought it might be best to wait until she was a bit older. But when the pageant dates were announced, McKenzie decided to go for it and on March 29, 2025, at the Pearl River Resort, she was crowned Miss Mississippi USA, the youngest competitor to ever win the title.

“When my name was called into the top five, I was beyond thankful. But when they called me as the winner, I was completely shocked,” McKenzie said. “Especially since I was the youngest competitor. It still feels unreal.”

After making her decision to enter the pageant, the Vicksburg resident said she immediately began preparing for the competition.

“I focused on working out regularly and eating healthier,” she said. “I also prepared by having interview sessions with my coaches from Tennessee, which was an incredibly rewarding experience. It not only helped me improve, but it also gave me a deeper understanding of myself while staying focused on my dreams.”

And with “hard work and dedication,” McKenzie said she was also able to build the confidence she needed to compete.

In vying for the title of Miss Mississippi USA, McKenzie competed in several phases of competition, including: interview, evening gown and swimsuit. After being named to the top five, she also had to answer an on-stage question.

McKenzie said the swimsuit phase of the competition is her favorite.

“I love the runway, and one of my dreams is to become a Victoria’s Secret supermodel one day,” she said.

McKenzie first began competing in pageants when she was a little girl.

“I’ve been involved in the pageant world since I was three-years-old and was even featured on ‘Toddlers and Tiaras’ when I was five,” she said. “Around the age of 10, I took a break from pageantry, but at 14 I returned to compete for the title of Miss Mississippi Teen USA 2021.”

McKenzie didn’t win, but the following year, she walked away with the crown and the 2022 Miss Mississippi Teen USA title.

When her year-long reign came to an end, McKenzie said she took another break from competing in pageants and started focusing on her dream of becoming a model.

She moved to New York, where she had the opportunity to participate in fashion shows and meet with agencies.

“I was actually on a billboard in Times Square, too,” she said, adding, “I was just so happy and blessed for the opportunity.”

Moving to the Big Apple after living in a small town was hard, McKenzie admitted. After several months she returned home. But she said she does hope to return soon.

“Our proudest moment so far is when McKenzie graduated high school early and moved to New York for a few months to live out her dream of modeling in New York Fashion Week,” McKenzie’s mother Michelle said. “And also, that her print work for Jovani Fashion made it all the way to a store in Paris.”

McKenzie said winning the title and becoming the youngest Miss Mississippi USA has been an honor and she was thankful for all those who have supported her in this journey.

“I would like to thank everyone for their incredible support and encouragement that has helped me get to where I am today,” she said. “And I’m also deeply grateful for the love shown to me throughout my modeling career. Remember to always pursue your dreams, even when others doubt you, because God has a plan for each of us, and nothing is possible without Him.”

At this time, there is no date set for the Miss USA Pageant, but McKenzie said that, in the meantime, she will continue to keep up with her “hard work and dedication” so that when a date is announced, she will be prepared.

The Miss Mississippi USA Pageant is part of Greenwood Productions, which is under the ownership of Miss Tennessee USA 1989 Kim Greenwood, the wife of country music singer and songwriter Lee Greenwood.