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The eighth annual Dixie Woodall Inspirational Award was presented to Miss Melinda Murillo on February 22 after the Lady Norse Basketball team defeated Carl Albert 84 – 48. “It is hard to describe the level of leadership that Melinda has taken on this year,” said Jim Rowland, head coach for the Lady Norse.” She is not only a role model and captain on the court, but she carries that responsibility off the court. The entire team looks to her for direction, advice, and even mothering. Her work ethic, commitment to excellence, and her high standard of morals and conduct makes her the perfect choice for the Dixie Woodall Inspirational Award.”

(Photo from left: Jim Rowland, NEO women’s basketball head coach; Melinda Murillo, 2016 Dixie Woodall Award winner; Dale Patterson, NEO athletic director)

Murillo was chosen based on her leadership, mentorship, and motivation of her teammates and the NEO community. Each year’s honoree encourages a spirit of cooperation among her teammates and possesses a high standard of achievement in all that she attempts. “Since arriving at NEO she has made her academics a priority and has been on the President’s Honor Roll, Deans’ Honor Roll, and has a 3.6 G.P.A.,” continued Rowland. “I am very proud of her and I know that she will continue to do great things even after her years at NEO.”

Murillo is a 5’5” guard from Guthrie High School, in Guthrie, Okla. During her freshman year at NEO, she suffered a knee injury and redshirted, giving her three years with the Lady Norse team. She is the daughter of Sergio and Myrtle Murillo.