Pulaski Heights Middle School dedicated its gymnasium on Tuesday, October 27, in honor of Coach Ramona McGee, recognizing her decades of service to young athletes in Little Rock.

The facility is now known as the Coach Ramona McGee Gymnasium. McGee is reported to be the first female coach in Little Rock School District history to have a school facility named in her honor.

Three decades of coaching

Over approximately 30 years, McGee coached girls' basketball and volleyball at Pulaski Heights and Horace Mann middle schools. District figures cited in local coverage credit her teams with 20 volleyball championships, 35 basketball championships and 15 undefeated seasons.

Her legacy extends beyond wins. Former players recall her encouragement and continuing mentorship, while school leaders have emphasized her commitment to preparing students for life as well as athletics.

Academics before athletics

McGee has stressed the importance of putting schoolwork first, with sports reinforcing discipline, effort and teamwork.

Born in Hope, Arkansas, she played college basketball at Philander Smith College before building a long career in Little Rock education and athletics. Local reporting says she now coaches girls' basketball at Little Rock Southwest High School.

A milestone for Little Rock schools

The dedication recognizes McGee's influence across generations of students and marks a notable milestone for female coaches in the district.

The gym's new name gives current and future students a reminder of the educator and coach whose dedication helped shape the school's athletic programs.