News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Upperman High School to celebrate the long and successful career of Coach Dana McWilliams by renaming the basketball court in her honor.
Athletic Director Ross Fanning said the administration decided it was about time for some well-deserved recognition.
“She has 731 wins, three state championships, three state runner-ups, three additional final four seasons,” Fanning said. “She’s been Tennesseean Coach of the Year, she’s been a Distinguished Service Award-winner. Just so many accolades that she has gathered throughout the years.”
Fanning said that the decals were put on the court this week. He said that they will host an official dedication at a home basketball game next season, where they will invite all students and alumni to celebrate McWilliams.
In addition to her accomplishments on the court, Fanning said they hope the honor recognizes her impact on the student body as a whole. Fanning said that McWilliams will see every student at Upperman at some point or another during their four years at the school.
“She’s a great teacher, a great educator, and you can just see how that bleeds over on the basketball court,” Fanning said. “And how she impacts her players specifically on the court, just to where it leads to them to have more opportunities and better opportunities in the future and kind of guides them in the right direction. I just can’t say enough about Coach Dana and how she impacts not just the girls’ basketball team but how she impacts the school itself.”
Fanning said that it’s important to show appreciation to these types of coaches and these educators. He said that when they’ve impacted the school and the program in such a way, it’s important to give back to them.
