Southern Miss women’s basketball coach Joye Lee-McNelis has announced her retirement after 21 seasons.
McNelis is in her third battle against lung cancer, and has undergone chemotherapy, which has played a role in her missing multiple games this year. This season the Lady Eagles currently hold a 9-19 overall record and a 4-12 mark in Sun Belt play.
"After more than 40 years in coaching, including the last 21 years at my beloved alma mater, it is time for me to step into the next chapter of my life," said McNelis in a press release. "Coaching at Southern Miss has been more than just a profession—it has been a dream realized. From the time I was a young girl, basketball has shaped my life in immeasurable ways, and having the opportunity to lead this program has been one of my greatest honors. More than just the Xs and Os, this journey has been about building relationships, mentoring young women and watching them grow into confident, successful individuals both on and off the court. The impact that they have had on my life is just as profound as the impact I have hoped to have on theirs.
"I am forever grateful to The University of Southern Mississippi’s administration, the athletic department, my coaching staff and all those who have supported me and this program over the years. To my players – both past and present – you have given me some of the most rewarding moments of my career, and I will always cherish the memories we have made together."
McNelis had a successful playing career at Southern Miss after scoring 1,512 points in four years. After the first year of assistant coaching at Southwest Texas State, McNelis returned to Southern Miss as an assistant coach under previous head coach Kay James. During McNelis’ tenure as assistant, the Lady Eagles reached three NCAA Tournaments, two Metro Conference tournament titles and a regular season championship. The Lady Eagles finished 103-47 during that span.
McNelis then took the job at Memphis for 13 seasons where she totaled a 229-156 record and led the Lady Tigers to four conference regular season titles and four NCAA tournament appearances. McNelis then left Memphis for her alma mater in 2004.
"A special and heartfelt thank you goes to my husband Dennis and my children, Whitney and Conner, for the sacrifices they have made over the years in allowing me the opportunity to impact young women and others," McNelis said. "Without their unwavering support and selflessness, I could not have done this for so many years. I am also incredibly grateful for the chance to have come home, where my parents Louis and Nell Lee were able to be a part of this journey with me. They were the ones who first put a basketball in my hands, and the memories of them being part of this program will remain some of my most treasured moments.
"I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Wings members who have loved and supported our program from the moment I returned. Your dedication and belief in what we do have meant the world to me and to the young women who have worn the Southern Miss jersey."
As the Lady Eagles’ head coach, McNelis has led the program to a Sun Belt regular title in 2022 and six WNIT appearances. McNelis currently holds an overall all-time record of 567-462, and currently stands at 338-306 at Southern Miss.
In 34 seasons as a Division I head coach, McNelis has made 14 postseason appearances, won two Coach of the Year titles, had 45 players named to all-conference lists, two players named player of the year and sent 13 former players to the professional ranks. She retires as one of 61 coaches in the history of women’s basketball to win over 550 games.
"Lastly, I want to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to do what I love for so many years," McNelis said. "As I step away from this role, I remain committed to the success of this program and am willing to assist in any way possible during this transition. Southern Miss will always be home, and I look forward to seeing the continued growth of this program in the years ahead."
McNelis will be honored at Reed Green Coliseum on Friday night at halftime of the men’s basketball game against Troy.
A national search for McNelis’ successor will begin immediately.
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