MS SR84

Commends and congratulates Joye Lee-McNelis upon her retirement as USM Lady Eagles Women's Basketball Head Coach at the end of the 2024-2025 season after 21 seasons leading the program.

Recognizes McNelis's 45-year association with Southern Miss, beginning as a college freshman in 1980 and including a four-year playing career before returning as an assistant coach and eventually becoming head coach in 2004.

Honors McNelis's 34 seasons as a Division I Head Coach with 550+ career wins, 14 postseason appearances, 2 Coach of the Year awards, and induction into the Southern Miss Legends Club on January 18, 2025.

Acknowledges McNelis's achievements including coaching 13 players to professional ranks, winning the 2024 Pat Summitt Most Courageous Award, and leading Southern Miss to the Sun Belt Conference regular season title in 2022-2023.

Directs the resolution be presented to Coach McNelis, forwarded to USM President Dr. Joseph S. Paul and the Board of Trustees, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.