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Prayers Pouring In After Beloved Women's College Basketball Coach's Death

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 12:05 AM ET

Joye Lee-McNelis, a beloved college basketball coach with over 550 career wins, has passed away this Tuesday. She was 63 years old.

Lee-McNelis coached Memphis for 13 years before taking her talents to Southern Miss in 2004. After spending two decades at Southern Miss, she decided it'd be best for her to retire from coaching college hoops.

"It is time for me to step into the next chapter of my life," Lee-McNelis said. "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."

Just a day ago, Lee-McNelis was named a member of the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame. It's a well-deserved honor, make no mistake about it.

Unfortunately, Lee-McNelis died roughly 24 hours later. Some fans were bracing for this heartbreaking news since she's been battling cancer for eight years.

Over the past few hours, the college basketball world has shared its fondest memories of Lee-McNelis.

"Condolences to Joye's family, friends and Southern Miss WBB program & fans... strong lady, heck of a grinder of a coach, and enjoyable person to talk to on and off the air," Doug Ripley said in response to this sad news.

"God be with her family and the entire Southern Miss Lady Eagle family. She was fiercely loyal to her school and her players, and a fierce competitor. Very sorry to hear this news," Ryan Epling said.

"Thoughts and prayers to the Southern Miss community," another person wrote.

Lee-McNelis will be inducted into the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame later this year.

There's no question Southern Miss fans will remember Lee-McNelis and all of her accomplishments for the foreseeable future.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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