A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR SHARON RUTH DILLON, HEAD COACH FOR GIRLS BASKETBALL AT SPARTANBURG HIGH SCHOOL, ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT FROM COACHING AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES FOR MUCH ENJOYMENT AND FULFILLMENT AS SHE CONTINUES TO SERVE AS AN EDUCATOR AT SPARTANBURG HIGH.

Whereas, born in Clarkston, Georgia, Sharon Ruth Dillon is the middle daughter of Bob and Virginia Dillon. When she was age 7, her family moved to Spartanburg, where she entered the District 7 school system. Sharon's father, who had played basketball for Furman University, instilled his love of basketball in his daughter at an early age; and

Whereas, the young Sharon, having begun her basketball career playing in a church league, also played point guard for Spartanburg High School and graduated from that institution in 1986; and

Whereas, recruited to play for Limestone University, Sharon served as captain of the Lady Limestone Saints basketball team and was selected to receive the Coaches' Award in her senior year. In 1990, this standout player graduated from Limestone with a teaching degree in physical education and began her coaching career at the middle school level; and

Whereas, in 1997, she was hired as girls basketball head coach for Broome High School. She led the Lady Centurions to a state championship in 2006. Additionally, during her tenure at Broome, the team won regional championships in 2005 and 2006. In 2004, Sharon was honored to be named North-South All-Star assistant coach, and in 2006 she was chosen by her colleagues as South Carolina Coach of the Year; and

Whereas, it was Sharon's dream to return to her high school alma mater as a coach. In 2006, her dream was realized when she was offered the position of girls basketball head coach at Spartanburg High School. She served as head coach there until her retirement from coaching in 2023; and

Whereas, during her eighteen seasons with the Lady Vikings, the team captured regional championships in 2008, 2011, and 2015, and Sharon was named Region Coach of the Year in each of those years. In 2010, she was selected as head coach for the North-South All-Star Game, and she celebrated her three hundredth win in 2015; and

Whereas, the House is pleased to learn that although Sharon is retiring from coaching, she will remain at Spartanburg High to teach physical education after she doffs her head coach cap. The members trust that, as a result of her coaching retirement, she will find herself more frequently able to indulge in traveling with friends and in spending time with family, especially her three nephews and three nieces; and

Whereas, grateful for the example of consistent commitment and excellence Sharon Dillon has bestowed on the people of South Carolina, the House of Representatives takes great pleasure in wishing her well as she continues to serve in the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Sharon Ruth Dillon, head coach for girls basketball at Spartanburg High School, on the occasion of her retirement from coaching and extend best wishes for much enjoyment and fulfillment as she continues to serve as an educator at Spartanburg High.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Sharon Ruth Dillon.

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