Jackson native Debbie Trebotich lettered three years in basketball at St. Joseph High School, where she also set records in track and field events, in the high jump, broad jump and 50-yard dash.
She came to Hinds in 1968, playing two years at point guard for the Lady Eagles hoopsters, averaging 12 points and 15 assists a game. On the volleyball court, she led the team, coached by Rene’ Warren, to several tournament championships. She was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Women’s Recreational Association, which awarded her Athlete of the Year for 1970.
She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, where she won MVP awards in basketball, volleyball, badminton, softball, and track and field. She received a master’s degree in physical education and special education from William Carey University.
After college, she coached high school girls’ basketball in Vancleave before moving to Houston, Texas, in 1980. There, she coached basketball, volleyball and track and field at several high schools over a nearly 40-year span.
In 2003, she won Most Outstanding Teacher award from the Harris County Department of Education and set up the school system’s first Special Olympics program. Two years later, she won Most Outstanding Coach for her work with Special Olympics in Houston. She has competed in Senior Olympics events in several states since 2000.
