Joye Lee-McNelis: Former Coach Dies at 63
- Joye Lee-McNelis, a Mississippi native and longtime women's basketball coach, has died at 63.
- Before returning to her alma mater, Southern Miss, Lee-McNelis coached at Memphis for 13 seasons (1991-2004), amassing a 229-156 record.
- Beginning in 2004, Lee-McNelis answered the call to return to southern Miss, where she had played from 1980-84 and served as an assistant coach.
Joye Lee-McNelis, the respected women’s basketball coach, has passed away at 63, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and inspiration. News outlets, including News directory 3, are reporting on the life and career of the southern Miss coaching legend, who dedicated over two decades to the sport. From her early coaching days at Memphis to her impactful tenure at Southern Miss, Lee-McNelis shaped countless lives and achieved significant milestones, including multiple NCAA tournament berths. Her battle with lung cancer and receipt of the Pat summitt Most Courageous Award underscore her resilience and the profound impact she had on the women’s basketball landscape. Reflect on her incredible contributions and celebrate a life well-lived. Discover what’s next as plans for a memorial service unfold.
Joye Lee-McNelis, Veteran Women’s basketball Coach, Dies at 63
Updated June 26, 2025
Joye Lee-McNelis, a Mississippi native and longtime women’s basketball coach, has died at 63. Southern Miss, where she spent over two decades, announced her passing tuesday. Lee-McNelis had retired after the 2024-25 season, following a lengthy battle with lung cancer.
Before returning to her alma mater, Southern Miss, Lee-McNelis coached at Memphis for 13 seasons (1991-2004), amassing a 229-156 record. During her tenure with the Tigers, the team made four NCAA tournament appearances.At only 28 years old, she took over the head coaching role.
Beginning in 2004, Lee-McNelis answered the call to return to southern Miss, where she had played from 1980-84 and served as an assistant coach. She compiled a 339-308 record there, leading the Lady Eagles to five WNIT appearances, including one in 2024. Her impact on women’s basketball coaching and the southern Miss program is undeniable.
Lee-McNelis received the Pat Summitt Most Courageous Award from the U.S. Basketball Writers Association in 2024,years after her initial cancer diagnosis in 2017. her courage and dedication inspired many.
“We’ll forever cherish the life of Coach McNelis and all she gave to Southern Miss and her Lady Eagles,” Southern Miss posted on X. “Her story was an inspiration to countless peopel around the world.”
What’s next
Southern Miss will likely hold a memorial service to honor Lee-McNelis. Details are pending.