BILLIE, ANDY AND JOHN BILLIE SNELSON FORMER VOLLEYBALL COACH

Billie M. Snelson played basketball for the Oklahoma Baptist University Bisons. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from OBU in 1948.

After college, she started her decadeslong career in Pasadena ISD, where she coached volleyball at Sam Rayburn High School, South Houston Houston High School and taught at Pasadena High School. Former athletes who played under her leadership say she was no ordinary coach.

Beyond leading her teams to multiple winning seasons, Coach Snelson was remembered for commanding the room, gaining the respect of every student, athlete, coach and referee, and for building bonds that lasted a lifetime. You could see it the moment she entered a room.

“I remember our practices after school. She had a presence about her. When she would walk in, we all stopped what we were doing so we could get to work,” recalled Donna Branch, former Rayburn volleyball student and Hall of Famer.

Billie was also remembered for setting high expectations for the team because she was, in a word, a perfectionist who was always pushing her team to new heights.

“You wanted her to be proud of you,” Donna said.

Lynne Champion, who coached at Dobie at the time, stated, “We could tell that the players trusted her.”

That trust and respect extended through to her family. Billie had a powerful influence in her children’s lives, as both sons, Andy Snelson and John Snelson, would go on to excel in their high school athletics programs and in their careers.

Billie made a huge impact on many student’s lives throughout her 39-year long career in Pasadena ISD.

Billie passed away at the age of 90 on September 15, 2018, but her memories as a mother, grandmother, coach, teacher and friend continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

Tonight, we celebrate Coach Billie Snelson for her many contributions and accomplishments at Pasadena ISD.