Coolidge Ball: First Black Ole Miss varsity athlete, dies at 71

Coolidge Ball: First Black Ole Miss Varsity Athlete, Dies at 71

Coolidge Ball, a trailblazing figure in the history of University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Athletics, and the first African-American athlete to compete in any sport for the institution, passed away on August 29, 2023. He was 71 years old.

Born on November 6, 1951, Ball etched his legacy as a forward on the Ole Miss men’s basketball team, breaking down barriers and defying racial prejudice during a pivotal period in Mississippi’s history. He proudly wore the Rebels jersey from 1971 to 1974, not only as an accomplished athlete but as a symbol of progress and courage.

A native of Indianola, Mississippi, Coolidge Ball possessed opportunities to pursue his basketball career elsewhere, yet he chose to return to his home state, determined to pave the way for future generations of student-athletes and shatter the racial divides that lingered in sports. His decision to play for Ole Miss marked a turning point in the university’s history and set the stage for profound change in collegiate athletics.

In 2021, Ball’s monumental impact was forever commemorated with the unveiling of a statue in his honor at Pavilion Plaza. This tribute serves as a reminder of his extraordinary contributions as an athlete and as a civil rights leader, reminding all who pass by of the courage and dedication it took to challenge the status quo.

Ole Miss Athletic Director Keith Carter expressed his condolences, stating, “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Coolidge Ball — the greatest trailblazer in the history of Ole Miss Athletics. He not only broke down walls for future generations of student-athletes but also provided an example for all those who followed him. Coolidge remained an active member of the Ole Miss family throughout his life and always blew me away with his grace and kindness. Our university is forever grateful for his impact as a student-athlete, civil rights leader, and friend to us all.”

Coolidge Ball’s impact on the court was matched by his achievements within academia. He garnered all-SEC recognition from the press on three separate occasions during his time as a player and went on to graduate from Ole Miss in 1975. Under Ball’s leadership, the Ole Miss basketball team achieved three consecutive winning seasons, marking a historic feat that hadn’t been seen since 1936-38.

His legacy was further solidified through inductions into both the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and the Ole Miss Athletics Hall of Fame, and acknowledgments of his exceptional contributions to athletics and society at large.

Coach Chris Beard, reflecting on Ball’s legacy, stated, “He’s done so much for not only Ole Miss basketball but the athletic department, the university, this town, this state. He’s just a legend.”

Coolidge Ball is survived by his wife, Ruth Adams Ball, and his children, Teletha and Anthony Ball. As the Ole Miss community mourns the loss of a true pioneer, his memory will continue to inspire progress, unity, and unwavering courage both on and off the court.