Joye Lee‑McNelis, a revered figure in women’s collegiate basketball, passed away on Tuesday (6/25) at age 63 following a courageous multi‑year fight with stage‑4 lung cancer. A Southern Miss standout from 1980–84, she left as the program’s second‑highest scorer, later joining the coaching staff for nearly four decades.
At just 28, she became head coach at Memphis, where over 13 seasons she compiled a 229–156 record and guided the Tigers to four straight NCAA tournament appearances. Jason & John discussed Lee-McNelis' legacy on Wednesday's (6/25) Jason & John Show on 92.9 FM ESPN.
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Returning to Southern Miss in 2004, she amassed over 300 wins, earned multiple 20‑win seasons, a Sun Belt regular‑season title, WNIT runs, and the 2024 Pat Summitt Most Courageous Awards.
Diagnosed in 2017, her determination and #McNelisStrong spirit inspired countless individuals. Off the court, she was a beloved mentor, wife, mother, and community pillar. Coach McNelis’s passion, resilience, and legacy will endure through the athletes she guided and the lives she touched.
Just this week it was announced Lee-McNelis would be part of the 2025 Memphis Sports Hall of Fame.