MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Lee, Cuevas

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING JOYE LEE-MCNELIS FOR BEING ONE OF THE NATION'S TOP COLLEGIATE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACHES. 

WHEREAS, Joye Lee-McNelis is recognized as one of the nation's top collegiate women's basketball coaches; and

WHEREAS, Joye Lee-McNelis has turned the University of Memphis Lady Tigers basketball team into a nationally recognized program; and

WHEREAS, Joye Lee-McNelis molded a basketball program that had won just 21 games in three previous seasons into one that is heading to its fourth straight NCAA tournament appearance; and

WHEREAS, in 1994-95 Joye Lee-McNelis led the Lady Tigers to its first appearance in the NCAA tournament since 1987 and compiled a record of 22 wins and 8 losses; and

WHEREAS, in 1996 Joye Lee-McNelis guided the Lady Tigers' 20-11 record, won the inaugural Conference USA Championship and earned their second consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament; and

WHEREAS, prior to joining the University of Memphis, Joye Lee-McNelis was a very successful assistant coach at the University of Southern Mississippi where she was responsible for recruiting, and several of her recruiting classes ranked in the Top 10 nationally; and

WHEREAS, Joye Lee-McNelis helped lead the University of Southern Mississippi to a five-year record of 103 wins and 47 losses with 3 appearances in the prestigious NCAA Tournament; and

WHEREAS, Joye Lee-McNelis also served as assistant coach at Southwest Texas State University where she served as recruiting Coordinator; and

WHEREAS, Joye Lee-McNelis was an outstanding basketball player at the high school and college levels; and

WHEREAS, Joye Lee-McNelis was a four-year starter for the Lady Eagles from 1980-1984; and

WHEREAS, Joye Lee-McNelis' 1,510 career points make her the third highest scorer at USM and, in addition, she had 305 assists which ranks as the sixth best in Lady Eagle history; and

WHEREAS, Joye Lee-McNelis holds the career record for free throw percentage (.796) at USM; and

WHEREAS, Joye Lee-McNelis led her teams to an overall record of 73 wins and 38 losses during her four-year career at USM; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of her ability and accomplishments, Joye Lee-McNelis was inducted into the University of Southern Mississippi Hall of Fame on April 14, 1997; and

WHEREAS, Joye Lee-McNelis was an outstanding player at Hancock North Central High School where she was a four-year letter winner; and

WHEREAS, her teams went to the state tournament four straight years and won the state title twice; and

WHEREAS, Joye Lee-McNelis still reigns as the high school's all-time leading scorer; and

WHEREAS, Joye Lee-McNelis' jersey No. 14 was retired on April 19, 1993, and that day was declared Joye Lee-McNelis-Brett Favre Day by Hancock County; and

WHEREAS, Joye Lee-McNelis is well known and respected for her community involvement; and

WHEREAS, Joye Lee-McNelis has become one of Memphis' most popular motivational speakers; and

WHEREAS, Joye Lee-McNelis was the chairperson for the 1997 Walk America for the March of Dimes and assisted in raising funds for the LeBonheur Children's Medical Center; and

WHEREAS, Joye Lee-McNelis believes it is important for her players to be involved in the community; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Tigers donate their time and talents by working with reading programs in local elementary schools, collecting gifts for the Salvation Army, working with the March of Dimes and conducting clinics throughout the community; and

WHEREAS, one of the most important parts of Joye Lee-McNelis' life is her family; and

WHEREAS, she credits her success to the support of her husband, Dennis; and

WHEREAS, Dennis and her children, Whitney and Conner, are a vital part of the Lady Tiger program; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Mississippi Senate to recognize the noteworthy accomplishments and contributions of the state's citizens:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE, That Joye Lee-McNelis is hereby commended for her outstanding coaching accomplishments and her service to her community and we wish her continued success in her endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be presented to Joye Lee-McNelis.