Findlay Elementary gym renamed in honor of coach

Rhonda Girdley has taught school at Findlay Elementary, in White County, for half a century, spending all but one of those years shaping the lives of some of the youngest students in the county and setting them up for a success by building positive learning experiences. While teaching, Girdley has also served as an elementary school basketball coach for 44 seasons.

“Ms. Girdley’s contributions to education and athletics in White County are truly unmatched, and her name has become synonymous with the heart and spirit of Findlay Elementary,” Principal Rebecca Ryan said. “Her lasting impact continues to inspire students, athletes, and community members alike.”

To honor all that Girdley has done outside of teaching – coaching both boys’ and girls’ basketball over the years, middle school softball, and even serving the school community as a substitute bus driver at times – the gymnasium at Findlay Elementary School got a new name this week. It will now, forever be known as Rhonda Girdley Gymnasium.

“Ms. Girdley has positively impacted hundreds of student athletes, many of whom have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, and coaches,” Ryan said, explaining the reasoning behind deciding it was time to honor the Falcons’ long-time coach. “Most notable is Kellie Jolly Harper, former Lady Vol and head coach of the University of Missouri Women’s basketball team.”

When the new elementary school was opened a few years ago, the court in the gymnasium was named in honor of Jolly-Harper, and Ryan said it only seemed fitting that [that] court was inside a gymnasium that honored the woman who started it all.

Girdley is loved by all those whose lives she touches. With the planned presentation of a sign acknowledging the renaming of the gymnasium, former basketball players and students alike filled the stands to cheer on the woman who cheered for them as they learned to tie their shoes, write their names, and shoot foul shots.

“Ms. Girdley’s support extends far beyond the classroom and court. You can often find her cheering on current and former players at Sparta Youth or AAU basketball games and Little League softball and baseball games,” Ryan explained, saying that it’s not uncommon for former students and athletes to invite her to their weddings, baby showers, and social gatherings. “Her dedication to her students and community shines in every aspect of her life.”

A red sign reading “Rhonda Girdley Gymnasium” and including a likeness of Girdley’s signature will hang in the gym so that all those who come to the gym, now or in the future, will know of the dedication that has been given to build lives and shape young people into successful adults. Along with the sign, a framed rectangle of floorboards that have the Findlay “F” in the school’s red and white, will be displayed.

“The sign that will hang in the gymnasium holds special meaning,” Ryan explained.  “The wooden part of the sign is a piece of the original gym floor, salvaged by former principal Gary Alspaugh from the old Findlay gymnasium — the very place where Ms. Girdley spent the majority of her coaching career.”

As for Girdley, her legacy will continue to build. The long-tenured teacher has no plans to retire any time in the near future.

“As long as I can still have a positive impact on the kids who come through my classroom, I will be here. As long as I am making a difference, this is where I want to be,” she said, and added that as far as basketball goes – she has no plans to stop being courtside pushing “Girdley’s Girls,” as the sign outside the locker room in the gym now named after her says, to be better players and better people. “I’m always ready for a basketball game!”