John Calipari, 66, Shares Sad News on Wednesday originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Arkansas Razorbacks capped off their first season under head coach John Calipari, finding postseason success in their trial run.
Arkansas finished the season with two NCAA Tournament victories, defeating two higher-seeded opponents, Kansas and St. John’s, both of which had national title hopes at some point in the season.
After his first season coaching the Razorbacks, Calipari, 66, hit the gym with a new roster that includes several star transfers like Malique Ewin and five-star freshman Darius Acuff.
However, while the Razorbacks prepare for another season with Calipari on the sideline, sad news hits the sports world.
Former Southern Miss head coach Joye Lee-McNelis has passed away at 63.
Calipari took to social media after the news was released, sharing his condolences on the matter. The Razorbacks coach mentioned that McNelis was a coach at Memphis when Calipari was a part of the program, so there’s certainly a close connection between the two.
“More sad news this week,” Calipari said. “Joy Lee McNellis, women’s basketball coach at Southern Miss passed away. She was the coach at Memphis when we were there. She was a terrific player, then outstanding coach, wife and mother. A kind, caring lady who was all about her players. Our families were close and all of us will miss her!”
More sad news this week. Joy Lee McNellis, women’s basketball coach at Southern Miss passed away. She was the coach at Memphis when we were there. She was a terrific player, then outstanding coach, wife and mother. A kind, caring lady who was all about her players. Our families…
— John Calipari (@CoachCalArk) June 25, 2025
Upon the release of the news, Southern Miss took to social media, sharing their condolences on the subject.
“We are saddened to announce the passing of Lady Eagle legend, Coach Joye Lee-McNelis,” posted the official Southern Miss social media account.
Joye Lee-McNelis served as the head coach at Southern Miss from 2004 to 2025. While she was working at the same program as John Calipari, McNelis served as the head coach of the Memphis Tigers from 1991 to 2004.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.