On October 20, 1975, the world was introduced to Deirdre Tiana La Opal Dodson affectionately known as “Dee”. She attended Palo Verde Elementary School and became a proud graduate of Tulare Western HS. She was awarded a music scholarship and attended Azusa Pacific University, where she earned her Bachelors Degree in Sociology. She returned to school to complete her Masters Degree in Christian Counseling. 

 

She returned to her hometown of Tulare, Ca where she become a pillar in the community. She was a devoted youth leader and music director of New Life Community Church. She also was a commuted board member of the Team Superstar Basketball Organization that has hosted the Grady L. Holland Basketball Camp for 10 years, multiple traveling basketball teams that have produced over 130 student athletes who gained a 4 year scholarship (totaling over $25 million of free college education), and of course 21 years of the Spring Basketball tournament. On the side of all that, Dee also spent her last 15 years working at Kingsview Mental Health where she helped to create a program that target and support homeless people in need of mental health and housing. 

 

In honor of Dee and the life she lived, The Dee Memorial Superstar Basketball Tournament was initiated and proceeds of this tournament will continue to fund the Dee Memorial Scholarship which is given annually to local high school graduates attending college. Thank you for support in attend this years tournament. We love you Dee.