Mesa Legend - ARCHIVES - Vol. 39, Issue 10


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Volume 39, Issue 10
February 12, 2002

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MCC veteran honored as top sports leader in Valley

By Maya Daniels
For the Mesa Legend

MCC’s Theatre Outback has nominated Billie F. Harris for the YWCA’s 2002 Tribute to Women Award as a sports leader. The annual award recognizes women whose lives and accomplishments reflect the YWCA’s mission to empower women and eliminate racism.

She is one of ten women picked in Maricopa County who were named honorees.

"I am surprised to be nominated, because I feel like the little person," Harris said.

Other Valley women nominated include: Sleep America President, Debbie Gaby, as well as KPNX-TV12 News Reporter, Mary Kim Titla.

Harris is a former pitcher for the Phoenix Ramblers, Arizona’s first all-women professional softball team. She also played with the Yakima Webcats in Washington State for four years before returning to Phoenix as a pitcher for the Sun City Saints.

Harris began working at MCC in 1979, where she was assistant coach to the softball team over a period of 13 years.

After nearly 15 years playing for the Ramblers, Harris began playing exhibition games in South Africa. When the South African government refused to allow a black pitcher to play, her team refused to participate. It was then that she was made an "Honorary White Person" in order to play. She eventually became an Ambassador for Human relations to white and black South Africans.

"Billie showed how ignorance can be overcome by perseverance, pride and dignity," said Kari Ruiz in a YWCA press release.

Lyn Dutson, the head of the Theater Department, who nominated Harris, said that she is a true role model.

"Her experiences have never embittered her; and she does not let others, especially students, use race, sports or womanhood as an excuse."

"She is a natural mentor and one of the finest people I have ever met," said Jon Valpey, a friend and co-worker of Harris.

Harris’ numerous awards and achievements include Most Valuable Player for softball two years in a row, three-time All-American Player as well as an inductee into Arizona’s Hall of Fame.

Harris was even invited to sing the National Anthem in March 2000 at Bank One Ballpark.

"I have received numerous awards and am surprised to receive more awards. I’m surprised people are still writing about me," Harris said.

"Billie is filled with tremendous wisdom, her aura would be gold. Billie clearly represents the kind of extraordinary women the YWCA recognizes in their annual tribute," Dutson said.

All of the women will be recognized at the Ninth Annual YWCA Tribute to Women 2002 Luncheon on March 21 at the Arizona Biltmore Pavilion.