Joye Lee-McNelis, the head coach of Southern Miss women's basketball, has been awarded the 2024 Pat Summitt Most Courageous Award by the United States Basketball Writers Association. This recognition comes as she has battled adenocarcinoma for the third time, all while coaching her team and dealing with personal loss.

By the Numbers
  • 329-287: McNelis' record in 20 seasons at Southern Miss
  • 558-443: McNelis' overall record in 33 years as a head coach at the Division I level
State of Play
  • McNelis will be honored at the USBWA Awards Brunch prior to the NCAA Women's Final Four in Cleveland, Ohio
  • Under her leadership, the Lady Eagles finished the year 20-14, marking their first back-to-back 20-win seasons since 2013-14 and 2014-15
What's Next

Moving forward, McNelis' resilience and leadership will continue to inspire her team and others facing similar challenges in the world of sports.

Bottom Line

Joye Lee-McNelis' outstanding courage and dedication epitomize the true spirit of the sport, serving as an inspiration to her team, her university, and the wider sports community.