became one of Memphis’ most informative
and motivational speakers. She served as
chairman for the 1997 and 1998 March of
Dimes Walk America, which reached an all-time high in charitable donations.
McNelis also helped raise money for
LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center, as
well as conducted clinics throughout the
city of Memphis. She was honored by the
Kiwanis Club with the George F. Hixon
Fellowship Award.
Community involvement does not stop
with McNelis, as she believes it is important
for her players to be active in the community
as well. During the 2005-06 season, McNelis
and her Lady Eagles performed more community service than any of the other athletic
teams, receiving the Southern Miss Athletic
Department’s Community Service Award.
Following Hurricane Katrina, McNelis
delivered supplies and goods to the people
in her community of Leetown. Other
community service projects include the
Extraordinary Eagles, honoring elementary
and middle school students at two of the
Lady Eagles basketball games for academic achievement. The Lady Eagles and
coaches worked as “celebrity waitresses” at
Chesterfield’s Restaurant to raise money for
breast cancer.
McNelis stepped out the box and went
back to her roots of being a cowgirl, as she
rode a mechanical bull that raised in excess
of $7,000 for the Hattiesburg’s Salvation
Army Boys and Girls Club. Her team had
numerous speaking engagements at the
local elementary and middle schools about
the benefits of staying in school. McNelis,
her staff and players also held several free
clinics for faculty and staff children as well
as Upward Basketball.
The McNelis Family: Connor, Dennis, Joye and Whitney
McNelis School of Coaching
Former Assistants or players
and where they are now
Brenda Welch-Nichols – Head Coach,
Sam Houston State
Brooks Donald Williams – Head Coach,
McNeese State
Sytia Messer – Head Coach, Tennessee Tech
Jennifer Hoover – Head Coach, High Point
Jennifer Sullivan – Assistant Coach,
Arkansas State
Chandra Dorsey - Assistant Coach, Texas State
Stacie Terry - Assistant Coach, LSU
Brooke Stoehr - Assistant Coach, Texas Tech
Jordi Soso – Assistant Coach, Marshall
Toby Bush – Head Coach,
Pearl River Community College
Maurice Stafford – Assistant Coach, Northeast
Mississippi Community College
(men and women)
Kristen Chaney - Assistant Coach, East Central
Community College
Maghan James - Assistant Softball Coach, Pearl
River Community College
Niki Bray – Central High in Memphis
Kelly Herron – Rockmart High School,
Rockmart, Ga.
Charlene Hopson – Havenview Middle School,
Memphis, Tenn.
Danielle Dewitt - Assistant Coach, Hancock
High School
Patosha Jeffery – Basketball Skill In
Tom Cross – Sports Agent
Ben Law – Head Coach Sante Fe High School
“ I am a believer in giving coaches respon-
sibility, guide and direct them and watch
themflourish. It has been a joy, watching
everyone grow in the game. I can truly say I
have learned more from them than they will
ever know. Our coaching staff has always been
like family, and we have grown together and
learned from each other. I am very proud of
them and thankful for their camaraderie and
loyalty to me and my family.”
On April 19, 1993, McNelis’ high school
jersey No. 14 was retired, along with
Minnesota Viking quarterback Brett Favre.
That day was declared Joye Lee-McNelis-
Brett Favre Day by Hancock County.
