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Since she was four years old, Derrica McCall has pursued her passion for playing basketball. Now, as a graduate student at Shorter University and guard for the Lady Hawks’ women’s basketball team, McCall is soaring to great heights and exploring worldwide opportunities for post-graduate play.

Recently, Derrica was named to the All-Conference First Team, an honor the standout and Hayneville native shared on her social media page.

“Been dreading… making this post because it just seems unreal,” Derrica wrote after her team lost their championship bid against Chowan University, 57-52. “Friday my college career came to an end and… what a run [it] has been. 

“I want to thank God for these five years…. It’s been a long journey, but I owe it all to Him for keeping me above water.  I also want to thank my village. Thank y’all for the prayers and unconditional support. No matter where I was or how far I was, y’all made a way.”

The Lady Hawks finished their season at 21-7 and head coach Sheena Brooks said Derrica led from the start.

“She was our leading scorer in the conference,” Brooks said. “She was our team captain and a good leader. She’s a three-year starter for me and a high-character kid. She’s just going to do what’s right. She works hard and is very deserving of everything she has accomplished.”

According to Derrica’s mother, Marilyn McCall, the basketball star began playing with the Lowndes County Youth League at four years old. From there she advanced through recreational league basketball before joining the Hayneville Middle School team in seventh grade.

“Basketball is her life,” Marilyn McCall said. “Her goal was to win the championship this year. We went to South Carolina on Friday, March 7, but unfortunately they lost.

During her four years at Central High School, the Lady Lions won the area championship and made history for the team by advancing to the Final Four in 2020, Marilyn said.

Brooks helped recruit Derrica, who began her post-high school career at Bishop State Community College. Among other honors, Derrica was awarded her 1,000-point ball while maintaining a 3.8 grade point average.

“She’s been on the Dean’s List at Shorter since 2022,” Marilyn said. “She’ll be graduating on May 8. 

Derrica is currently considering international officers to play post-graduate basketball. After earning her degree in sports management, a career in coaching is on the table as well, Marilyn said.

Watching Derrica achieve her dreams has been an indescribable experience, Marilyn said.

“She lost her daddy after one week of going to Shorter University,” Marilyn said. “When you see your daughter pursue something she loves, when they lose you feel the pain for them. Over the past 19 years, being a basketball mom has been so rewarding, to see her at this level and watch her play on TV, knowing she has done something not everyone has gotten to do. She’s made history for our family and for Lowndes County. I couldn’t be more proud of her.”