Dorothea Fay “Dessie” (Richardson) Heald†

Inducted 1989
Hometown: Baytown
Best Known for: Coaching – Basketball
September 1, 1911-July 18, 2002

Heald pioneered the advent of power volleyball in the Valley and will be recalled as one of the area's great girls' coaches.

Heald coached basketball and volleyball at Weslaco High School for 14 years and started the volleyball program at Santa Rosa, a position she held for 12 more seasons. Her Pantherette basketball teams were a playoff constant in those years, making it to the regionals twice. The legendary 1965 Weslaco Lady Panthers advanced all the way to the state championship game before.

Heald attended every Texas High School Girls Coaches Association meeting before her retirement. In 1972 she was named the state's honor coach in basketball.