Sports
Pamela McDaniel inducted into the VWSD Athletics Hall of Fame
Pamela McDaniel was inducted into the Vicksburg-Warren School District Athletics Hall of Fame, celebrating her achievements as a championship athlete at Vicksburg High School. McDaniel’s contributions to the track team included three state championships and numerous accolades.
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VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) —
Pamela McDaniel’s journey from Marcus Bottom to becoming a championship athlete at Vicksburg High School reached another milestone Thursday night when she was officially inducted into the Vicksburg-Warren School District Athletics Hall of Fame.
McDaniel was one of 10 inductees honored during the ceremony. The Hall of Fame class was introduced by Vicksburg-Warren School District Athletic Director James Lewis.
“I would like to thank the school district for this honor,” McDaniel said. “I’m truly honored and grateful for this.”
McDaniel, who starred in track and field at Vicksburg High from 1984-88, used her moment in the spotlight to recognize the people who helped her along the way.
One of the first was her former coach, Alonzo Stevens, whom McDaniel credited with helping shape her and her teammates into champions.
“Coach, you’re the best,” she said. “I know it was hard working with a lot of young ladies with different attitudes, but because of you we’re what we are today.”
McDaniel was an integral part of one of the most successful periods in Vicksburg High track and field history. She helped the Missy Gators win three state championships and was a member of district championship teams in 1986, 1987 and 1988.
McDaniel was also the Little Six track champion in 1984 and competed in the 4×100, 4×200 and 4×400 relays during her high school career. Her contributions went beyond her performances on the track, as she also received the team’s “Most Spirited” Award.
McDaniel also recognized one of her best friends, Makita Wynn, who nominated her for the Hall of Fame honor.
“Between you and Coach we had no choice but to win championships,” McDaniel said.
The ceremony carried even more meaning for McDaniel because both of her parents were in the room to witness her induction.
Throughout her life, McDaniel’s family has looked up to her as a hero as she collected numerous accolades. But even with another honor now attached to her name, McDaniel has not forgotten where her journey began.
Growing up in Marcus Bottom, McDaniel said she is proud of the community that helped mold her into the person she is today. On Thursday, the former Missy Gator who once raced around the track for Vicksburg High was able to reflect on just how far that journey had taken her.
“The kid from Marcus Bottom is now a Hall of Famer,” she said.
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