Tonya Mackey, a well-respected figure in Savannah, made a lasting impact on her players and the local community during her final season as a coach.
She passed away on March 27 at the age of 57 after facing a prolonged illness over the past ten years.
Tonya Mackey’s strict coaching style started when she played basketball at St. Vincent’s High School and continued through her college days at South Carolina State.
She began coaching at Johnson High School in Savannah and then moved on to Kentucky State.
She spent 11 years as the head women’s basketball coach at South Carolina State from 2004 to 2008.
After working as an assistant at Jacksonville State, Tonya returned to Savannah and took a job at New Hampstead High School.
In 2013, she became the head coach of the school’s first varsity team and made history as the first woman to coach a boys’ varsity basketball team in the area.
Family And Friends Mourn The Loss Of Tonya Mackey
An alumna from Savannah State University, Angela Duncan, expressed her gratitude, saying that while life brings joy and sorrow, she is thankful for the time she shared with Tonya A. Mackey.
She mentioned how Tonya’s love for basketball, her coaching role, and their connection as Saint Vincent’s sisters meant so much to her.
Angela ended with a heartfelt thank you for their sisterhood and sent prayers for Tonya’s family and friends.
The Lord giveth and He taketh away. I thank Him for allowing Tonya A. Mackey to cross my path. So many things her love for Basketball, A coach and my Saint Vincent’s sister. All I will say is thank you for your sisterhood. Rest well!💔💔🙏🏼🙏🏼Prayers for her family and her friends!
Angela Duncan
Similarly, a coach, James Green, remembered when Tonya Mackey made her mark in Savannah basketball as the first freshman to start at St. Vincent’s, where she played under the guidance of Sister Pat Coward.
Green shared that he had a close relationship with Coach Mackey and knew her father when she was young.
He watched her play many times at St. Vincent’s. He described her as a tough, skilled player who could shoot, rebound, and handle the ball well.
When teams played against St. Vincent’s, they had to plan their strategy around her because she was a standout player.
Further, Sister Pat Coward expressed her sadness upon hearing about Mackey’s passing.
After nearly 30 years of coaching and teaching, in 2012, Sister Pat Coward St. Vincent’s has since been working with the Sisters of Mercy in North Carolina.
Sister Pat remembered Tonya as a “gentle giant” on the basketball team.
When Tonya first joined as a freshman, she was already a strong presence due to her size and skills, but she was also very shy.
Despite the high expectations placed on her, Tonya quietly grew and matured into a leader.
Sister Pat described her as a great player who continued to improve and reach her full potential, even under pressure.
Rest in peace, Coach
In Case You Didn’t Know
- The funeral service will be on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Alpha & Omega Worship Center.
- After an impressive career at St. Vincent’s, Tonya Mackey continued her basketball journey at South Carolina State, earning three varsity letters with the Bulldogs.
- In her senior year, she was named team captain, was recognized as the most improved player, and earned a spot on the second-team All-MEAC.
