TicketsWASHINGTON – University of Cincinnati women's basketball head coach Jamelle Elliott was honored with an induction into the John Hayden Johnson Middle School Athletics Hall of Fame as well as having the school's gymnasium and court dedicated in her name.
With a large crowd featuring 150 attendees, Elliott, an alumna of the D.C school, was one of six inductees into the Panthers' Hall of Fame. In addition to being part of the third Hall of Fame class in the school's history, Elliott was recognized with the dedication of both the gym and court in her name. The court now features her signature, while the gym wall displays a mural of her likeness. Dedication plaques are also placed at the entrances/exits of the facility.
"To be recognized with such a prestigious honor is very humbling," said Elliott. "That gymnasium and all the time that I spent there playing games and practicing, thinking back to where I grew up, could have very well saved my life. My hope is to inspire this generation and the following generations of youth growing up in the inner cities to see that where you come from doesn't have to define where you go in life. This very special day allowed me to reflect back and be thankful for my life growing up. It also gave me a chance to thank the village of family members and coaches that instilled in me the values that still remain a part my life every day."
Elliott's presence will also continue at the school with her donation of uniforms, shoes, socks, warmups, and other basketball apparel to the girls and boys basketball teams.
Director of Athletics Mike Sharrieff was honored to have Elliott come back home and is greatly appreciative of the lasting impact she will have at J.H. Johnson.
"There are many accomplished people that have come through J.H. Johnson but Jamelle definitely stood out," said Sharrieff. "When we approached her about induction into our Hall of Fame, she was honored and the first thing she asked was how she can help at the school. We are so proud of her as one of her own and she will be here forever sitting high on the wall in her gym looking down on her floor inspiring all that enter."
With a large crowd featuring 150 attendees, Elliott, an alumna of the D.C school, was one of six inductees into the Panthers' Hall of Fame. In addition to being part of the third Hall of Fame class in the school's history, Elliott was recognized with the dedication of both the gym and court in her name. The court now features her signature, while the gym wall displays a mural of her likeness. Dedication plaques are also placed at the entrances/exits of the facility.
"To be recognized with such a prestigious honor is very humbling," said Elliott. "That gymnasium and all the time that I spent there playing games and practicing, thinking back to where I grew up, could have very well saved my life. My hope is to inspire this generation and the following generations of youth growing up in the inner cities to see that where you come from doesn't have to define where you go in life. This very special day allowed me to reflect back and be thankful for my life growing up. It also gave me a chance to thank the village of family members and coaches that instilled in me the values that still remain a part my life every day."
Elliott's presence will also continue at the school with her donation of uniforms, shoes, socks, warmups, and other basketball apparel to the girls and boys basketball teams.
Director of Athletics Mike Sharrieff was honored to have Elliott come back home and is greatly appreciative of the lasting impact she will have at J.H. Johnson.
"There are many accomplished people that have come through J.H. Johnson but Jamelle definitely stood out," said Sharrieff. "When we approached her about induction into our Hall of Fame, she was honored and the first thing she asked was how she can help at the school. We are so proud of her as one of her own and she will be here forever sitting high on the wall in her gym looking down on her floor inspiring all that enter."