Article by: Autumn Foltz of KATV
Pulaski Heights Middle School dedicated its gymnasium Tuesday to Ramona McGee, its winningest coach and the first female coach in Little Rock School District history to have a gym named in her honor.
McGee, who coached girls basketball and volleyball, is beginning her 30th year with the district.
“It hasn't hit me yet that this will be named the Coach Ramona McGee Gymnasium,” McGee said. “I mean, I just feel honored and thankful and blessed for this opportunity.”
McGee began coaching in the district in 1996. Across her time at Pulaski Heights and Horace Mann middle schools, the district credits her with 20 volleyball championships, 35 basketball championships and 15 undefeated seasons.
For former volleyball player Katherine McKenna, McGee’s influence has lasted long after the games ended.
“She was so fun and so personable. I mean, we still stay in touch to this day. It's been 15 years,” McKenna said.
McGee encouraged McKenna to try volleyball, even though she had never played. McKenna recalled her coach cheering her on from the sideline during her first game.
“And she's been there every step of the way to encourage me throughout my life, and not just in sports,” McKenna said.
McGee said her expectations for students extended beyond athletics.
“I stress academics to all my student athletes because it's very, very important that you get those academics in line, and then the athletics is second,” she said.
Pulaski Heights Principal Darryl Powell said the championship banners in the gym reflect only part of McGee’s impact.
“Coach McGee didn't simply build winning teams. She helped build young people who were prepared to win in life,” Powell said.
McGee grew up in Hope and played college basketball at Philander Smith. She said that opportunity helped shape her future and her desire to give back to young people through teaching and coaching.
She is now the head girls basketball coach at Little Rock Southwest High School.
“I've enjoyed my 30 years of teaching and coaching in the Little Rock School District, and this is not the end for Coach McGee,” she said. “The best is yet to come.”