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By C.Y. Peters

When the film Titanic swept the world in 1997, people became enchanted with the fictional character of Rose, a woman whose life and love aboard the ill-fated ship left audiences mesmerized. Rose represented strength, resilience and a nostalgia for a bygone era. But not all legends are born from fictional stories.

This past week, I had the privilege of meeting my own “Rose”—not from the Titanic, but from the world of basketball. Her name is Eula Lee Donnelly, a 1942 graduate of Unaka High School who once dominated the hardwood court with grace and tenacity. Now 100 years old, Eula resides at Ivy Hall in Elizabethton, Tennessee, and like the character of Rose, she is a living testament to a time and spirit that refuses to be forgotten.

From Butler to Unaka: A Childhood Interrupted

Eula Lee Donnelly’s life began in the small town of Butler, Tennessee. Born into a family of four children—one brother and three sisters—Eula lived in a two-story house near the bridge over the Roan River. Butler was a peaceful town, nestled in the mountains of East Tennessee, where children could play by the river and families could gather in their tight-knit community. But Eula’s idyllic childhood was interrupted when the waters of Watauga Lake flooded the town, sinking Butler to the bottom of the lake.

At just 13 years old, Eula and her family were forced to leave their home and relocate to Stoney Creek. The disruption marked the end of her childhood in Butler, but it also marked the beginning of her journey as a basketball star. Eula, who had briefly attended Elizabethton High School as a freshman, transferred to Unaka High School, where she would soon make her mark on the basketball court.

A Basketball Star in the Making

During her time at Unaka High School, Eula Lee quickly rose to prominence as a forward on the girls’ basketball team. In those days, basketball for girls was played just like it was for the boys—five-on-five, with no modifications. There were no buses to transport the team to away games, so players would pile into the coaches’ cars, sometimes traveling long distances to face their opponents. It was a simpler time, but the competition was no less fierce.

Eula’s talent was evident from the start, and by her junior and senior years, she was a starter on the team, leading the Lady Rangers to victory after victory. Her scoring ability was nothing short of phenomenal. In her senior season, she became the top scorer in the 16th District, setting a record for the most points scored in a single game—an astounding 42 points. That record stood for more than 40 years, a testament to her skill and determination.

In many games, Eula scored 35 or more points, consistently leading her team to victory. One of the most memorable moments of her high school career came during a game against Happy Valley. Eula scored all 21 points for Unaka, carrying her team on her back and showcasing the kind of player she was—a true leader, determined to give her best no matter the odds.

Coaches, Teammates and the Drive to Succeed

Eula often reminisced about her two coaches, Stanley Myers and Howard Hale, who helped shape her into the player she became.

“Stanley was a tough coach,” she recalled with a smile, her eyes twinkling as she remembered the long practices and the discipline he instilled in his players.

Her parents were equally strict, ensuring that Eula and her siblings maintained perfect attendance in school.

“My dad made sure we didn’t miss school,” she said proudly.

Eula was a model student, earning a spot on the honor roll in her fifth-grade year and achieving perfect attendance in both the fourth and fifth grades.

Eula’s teammates also played a crucial role in her success on the court. She fondly remembered playing alongside Ina Estep, Anna Ruth Ritchie and several others, including Neece, Markland, Hyder, Sheffield, Scalf and Garland. These women, like Eula, were trailblazers, competing in an era long before the TSSAA introduced a state tournament for girls, which didn’t come into existence until 1958.

But even without the glory of a state tournament, Eula and her teammates left their mark on Carter County basketball. In 26 games during her senior season, Eula scored a total of 533 points, averaging more than 20 points per game. Her scoring prowess made her the undisputed top scorer in the entire 16th District, and her record of 42 points in a single game stood as a testament to her legacy for decades.

Life After Basketball: Family, Faith and Memories

After graduating from Unaka High School in 1942, Eula Lee Donnelly moved on to the next chapter of her life. She married and started a family, raising two sons and a daughter. Despite her transition from basketball star to wife and mother, Eula’s connection to her community remained strong.

She attended Watauga Valley Free Will Baptist Church, where she became known not only for her devotion to her faith but also for her beautiful singing voice. For many years, Eula was one of the best singers in the church choir, and she also taught Sunday school, imparting wisdom and kindness to younger generations.

Eula’s commitment to her faith and her family was unwavering, but she never forgot her basketball roots. Even now, at 100 years old, she can still recount the names of the players who came before her, like Annetta Shoun and Nota Taylor, as well as the names of her teammates who shared in the glory days of Unaka basketball. Her memories are vivid, and her love for the game still shines through.

A Legacy That Endures

As I sat with Eula Lee Donnelly in her room at Ivy Hall, listening to her stories, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of admiration for this remarkable woman. She is, in many ways, the “Rose” of Unaka basketball—a living legend whose legacy has endured for more than 80 years.

Her record-setting performances on the court, her leadership as a player and her dedication to her team and her community have left an indelible mark on Carter County sports history.

Eula’s story is not just a tale of basketball victories and records; it is a story of resilience, determination and the enduring spirit of a woman who overcame challenges, from the flooding of her hometown to the rigors of competitive basketball. She played in an era when opportunities for women in sports were limited, yet she seized every moment, leaving behind a legacy that still resonates today.

A Time to Reflect

As I reflect on my time with Eula, I am reminded that legends like her are not defined by championships or trophies but by the lives they touch and the memories they leave behind.

Eula Lee Donnelly may no longer be setting records on the basketball court, but her influence on those who knew her, played alongside her and learned from her is immeasurable.

She is a reminder that greatness is not confined to the pages of history books or the highlight reels of modern sports. It is found in the quiet strength of a woman who, 80 years after her last game, still inspires those around her with her stories, her wisdom and her unwavering spirit.

The Rose of Unaka Basketball

In the end, Eula Lee Donnelly is more than just a former basketball player; she is a symbol of the enduring power of sports to bring people together, to inspire greatness and to leave a lasting legacy.

She is the “Rose” of Unaka basketball, a living legend whose story deserves to be celebrated and remembered for generations to come.

As I left Ivy Hall, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to meet Eula and hear her incredible story.

In a world that often seems to move too fast, it is important to take the time to listen to the stories of those who came before us—stories like Eula’s, which remind us of the timeless values of perseverance, teamwork and the love of the game.

Eula Lee Donnelly’s legacy will forever be etched in the history of Unaka basketball, and her story will continue to inspire future generations of athletes, reminding them that true greatness is not measured by the points on a scoreboard but by the heart and soul they bring to the game.