After three decades of coaching, championship seasons and mentorship, Ramona McGee makes Little Rock School District history as the first female coach to have a gymnasium named in her honor.
Thirty years of dedication to student athletics and education have earned Coach Ramona McGee a permanent place in Little Rock School District history. On October 27, 2026, Pulaski Heights Middle School officially dedicated its gymnasium in her honor, making McGee the first female coach in district history to receive the distinction.
The newly named Coach Ramona McGee Gymnasium recognizes a career defined by athletic achievement, academic expectations, and a commitment to developing young people both on and off the court.
McGee began her coaching career with the Little Rock School District in 1996. Over the next three decades, she established one of the district's most successful coaching records while leading girls basketball and volleyball programs at Pulaski Heights and Horace Mann middle schools.
According to the district, her accomplishments include 35 basketball championships, 20 volleyball championships, and 15 undefeated seasons. The combined 55 championships reflect years of competitive success and consistency across two sports.
Yet, for McGee, the significance of coaching has extended beyond winning games. Throughout her career, she has emphasized the importance of academic achievement, encouraging student-athletes to prioritize their education before athletics.
That philosophy was echoed during the dedication ceremony by Pulaski Heights Middle School Principal Darryl Powell, who recognized McGee's influence in preparing students for challenges and opportunities beyond school sports. While championship banners serve as visible reminders of her athletic accomplishments, Powell emphasized that her contributions to students' personal development are equally important.
Her influence is also reflected in the relationships she has maintained with former players. Katherine McKenna, a former volleyball player McGee coached, told KATV that the two have remained in contact for about 15 years. McKenna recalled being encouraged to try volleyball despite having no previous experience with the sport. What began as encouragement from a coach eventually developed into a lasting relationship that continued well beyond her time as a student-athlete.
McGee's own athletic journey began long before her coaching career. A native of Hope, Arkansas, she played college basketball at Philander Smith College in Little Rock. She credits that opportunity with helping shape her future and inspiring her commitment to teaching and coaching young people.
Her professional contributions have also included coaching girls' track at Pulaski Heights, according to a Little Rock School District athletics staff directory, further reflecting her involvement in multiple athletic programs during her tenure.
Now entering her 30th year with the Little Rock School District, McGee continues her work as the head girls basketball coach at Little Rock Southwest High School. The gymnasium dedication recognizes the accomplishments of her career while she remains actively involved in developing student athletes.
McGee said the honor came with gratitude and disbelief. Speaking with KATV after the dedication, she said she felt thankful and blessed to have the gymnasium carry her name.
The recognition also represents a historic milestone for female coaches within the Little Rock School District. As the first woman to receive a gymnasium naming honor for her coaching career, McGee adds a new chapter to the district's athletic history.
Her legacy will remain connected to the students who practice, compete, and develop their own athletic aspirations inside the gymnasium bearing her name.
And while the dedication celebrates nearly three decades of service, McGee has made it clear that she is not finished. Looking ahead to the next chapter of her coaching career, she offered a simple declaration:
“The best is yet to come.”
sources
Foltz, Autumn. “Pulaski Heights Names Gym for Ramona McGee, a First for an LRSD Female Coach.” KATV, 27 Oct. 2026, https://katv.com/news/local/pulaski-heights-names-gym-for-ramona-mcgee-a-first-for-an-lrsd-female-coach-reporter-autumn-foltz-volleyball-basketball-teaching-horace-mann-middle-school-championships-undefeated-seasons-winningest-history.
“Pulaski Heights Middle School Names Gym in Honor of Coach, Making History.” KARK 4 News, https://www.kark.com/news/local-news/pulaski-heights-middle-school-names-gym-in-honor-of-coach-making-history/.
Little Rock School District. Official District Publication, https://www.lrsd.org/article/3220952.
Little Rock School District Athletics. “Pulaski Heights.” LRSD Athletics, https://lrsdathletics.weebly.com/pulaski-heights.html.