Sherry McKinnon reached a milestone moment.
The longtime Ellison girls basketball head coach picked up career victory No. 400 with the Lady Eagles’ 52-16 triumph over Schertz Clemens on Friday in the Calallen tournament in Corpus Christi.
“I feel very blessed,” said McKinnon, whose celebration was helped along by host Calallen, which allowed McKinnon to cut down the net as a keepsake. “It feels so good to get it with this group of young ladies.”
McKinnon, who announced this summer that she will retire at the conclusion of this school year, is in her 18th season with Ellison, beginning her successful stint in 2006-2007. The program has thrived in the years since. McKinnon has guided the Lady Eagles (so far) to eight district championships and 14 playoff appearances.
“Reaching 400 wins is an incredible milestone. It speaks volumes about Coach McKinnon’s hard work, dedication and leadership,” said Killeen ISD executive director for athletics Latisha Williams, who, as head coach of the Killeen Lady Roos, went head-to-head against McKinnon and the Lady Eagles.
“I think back to all of the athletes who have been a part of her program and the impact that she’s made during her remarkable career,” Williams added.
McKinnon’s squads have had 11 20-plus win seasons, including 30 in 2010-11, when the Lady Eagles advanced to the regional tournament, and 32 in 2012-13. And in a serendipitous twist, one other person can claim she was part of victory No. 1 and No. 400.
Alisha McDonald was a varsity starter for McKinnon as a freshman in 2006.
"I love Coach McKinnon, and I am thankful she became a part of my life in 2006," McDonald said.
On Friday, McDonald was by McKinnon’s side as an assistant coach, helping the Lady Eagles advance to the gold bracket semifinals and basking in McKinnon’s accomplishment.
"A good coach can change a game, but a great coach can change a life. Coach McKinnon has positively impacted my life and the lives of many athletes over the years," McDonald said. "Personally, her coaching style prepared me to be a strong and mentally tough collegiate athlete. The leadership, support and love she provided as a coach is why I am a coach."
In Friday’s victory, the team’s fifth straight, Faith Etienne poured in 20 points, Indigo Newburn had 11, Zoe Parker chipped in eight and Triniti Price scored seven.
Ellison continues tournament play at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Battle on the Bay semifinals.
