A visit to remember: Unaka Lady Rangers honor legend Eula Lee Donnelly
Published 2:58 pm Friday, February 7, 2025
Contributed photo Eula Lee Donnelly played for the Unaka Lady Rangers in the early 1940s.
Contributed photo The 2024-25 Unaka Lady Rangers pose for a picture with Eula Lee Donnelly during a visit Friday.
Contributed photo The 2024-25 Unaka Lady Rangers visited Eula Lee Donnelly on Friday.
Contributed photo The 2024-25 Unaka Lady Rangers visited Eula Lee Donnelly on Friday.
Contributed photo The 2024-25 Unaka Lady Rangers visited Eula Lee Donnelly on Friday.
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By C.Y. Peters
The Unaka Lady Rangers took a special trip to Ivy Hall on Friday to visit a true legend of their program, Eula Lee Donnelly. Known today as “Rose,” a nod to the character from Titanic, Donnelly’s story has captivated many since her remarkable achievements resurfaced in local news. The visit, led by head coach Kenneth Chambers, was a heartfelt tribute to the former Unaka standout who once dominated Carter County basketball in the early 1940s.
Donnelly, originally from Butler, was a star performer on the 1941 and 1942 Lady Rangers teams, leading all of Carter County in scoring. Her most famous achievement came when she set a single-game scoring record of 42 points, a record that stood unchallenged for over 40 years. As a forward, she was the driving force behind Unaka’s offense, leading the team in scoring during both her junior and senior seasons.
Her journey, however, was not without hardship. Like many families in Butler, she was displaced when the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) constructed dams that created Watauga Lake, submerging nearly the entire town, including its schools, stores, and homes. Despite this challenge, Donnelly’s legacy in Unaka athletics remained intact, and her name became synonymous with excellence in the region’s basketball history.
During the visit, the Lady Rangers honored Donnelly with flowers, a birthday cake, and heartfelt birthday cards. Her son, Larry, expressed gratitude for the team’s kindness and shared how much the visit meant to his mother. As the team gathered around, they sang “Happy Birthday” to the former superstar, bringing a smile to her face.
Donnelly, ever the competitor, had words of wisdom for the young athletes: “You need to play together and play hard.” And perhaps most fittingly, she advised the girls, “Shoot from everywhere.” Her love for the game and fearless approach to scoring remain an inspiration for future generations of Lady Rangers.
The visit was more than just a celebration—it was a moment of connection between the past and present, a reminder of the rich history that lives within the Unaka basketball program. As the Lady Rangers left Ivy Hall that day, they carried with them not just Donnelly’s advice but also the spirit of a true pioneer in Carter County sports history.
