The city of Memphis is once again showing love to one of its own, and this time, it’s for a woman who helped build the foundation of Memphis women’s basketball brick by brick. Joye Lee-McNelis, a fierce leader on the sidelines and a game-changer in the hearts of her players, has officially been named to the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
With 13 seasons as head coach of the Memphis Tigers women’s basketball program, Lee-McNelis racked up 229 wins, led the team to four NCAA tournament appearances, and secured her spot as the second-winningest coach in program history.
“Memphis was more than a job — it was a family. The players, the fans, and the city made it a place where we built something special together.”
And special it was. Under her leadership, the Tigers reached new heights, including knocking off powerhouse USC at the NCAA East Regional—a win still talked about with pride by fans and former players alike.
Leading with Grit and Grace
Lee-McNelis created leaders, cultivated sisterhood, and inspired a city to rally behind its women’s team. Players like Tamika Whitmore and LaTonya Johnson (both WNBA standouts) grew under her guidance.
“She pushed us hard, but she always believed in us even more. Coach McNelis changed my life—on and off the court.”
That belief and commitment defined her time at Memphis. From four straight regular-season conference championships to two conference tournament titles, she made winning feel routine. But more importantly, she made mentorship and player development the heart of her mission.
A Career That Spanned Decades
After leaving Memphis, Lee-McNelis returned to her alma mater, Southern Miss, where she spent another 21 seasons leading the women’s basketball program and notched 339 more wins. Her total career record? A staggering 568 victories over 34 seasons.
But no matter where she went, her Memphis roots remained strong.
What This Means for Memphis
Honoring Joye Lee-McNelis in the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame is a win not just for one woman but for every Memphian who’s ever believed in the power of persistence, leadership, and homegrown grit. It’s a moment to reflect on how far women’s athletics have come in the Bluff City and to recommit to cheering just as loudly for the next generation of Tigers chasing their own confetti.
She’ll officially be inducted this October at the Renasant Convention Center during a ceremony that’s sure to bring out fans, former players, and Memphis sports legends alike. And while more names will be added to the Class of 2025 in the coming weeks, we couldn’t imagine a better first member than Coach McNelis.
Join the Celebration
Let’s show up for Joye the way she showed up for Memphis. Whether you were there in the stands during those conference championship runs or you’re just now learning her story, take this as your sign to honor the trailblazers who’ve helped shape our city’s sports culture into what it is today.
🏀 The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is coming this October. Keep an eye on Memphis Sports Hall of Fame for updates and ticket info.
📣 Know someone who needs to hear this story? Share this blog with them, and while you’re at it, go ahead and watch some highlights of Memphis women’s hoops.
