Marion Medallion award recognizes Debbie Wall for impact on sports and community

Debbie Wall, an athlete, coach, and passionate community leader, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Marion Medallion Award, an honor that recognizes those who dedicate themselves to bettering the lives of others.

The award, which was established in 2012 by Francis Marion University and The Morning News, highlights individuals who have made a significant impact in the Pee Dee region.

Wall’s journey into community service and sports began early, inspired by her parents. Her father, an Athletic Director and Football Coach at McClenaghan High School, directed a summer camp for underprivileged children.

“He was definitely into sports,” Wall recalls, while her mother devoted time to serving local organizations such as the church, schools, and the Chamber of Commerce. “So, the inspiration for service started with them.”

Growing up in Florence, Wall’s natural athleticism was evident across a variety of sports, from tennis to basketball, softball, and golf.

“My favorite was whichever sport was in season,” Wall said with a laugh. “I really loved them all.” She enjoyed the personal challenge of individual sports like tennis and golf, where progress depended on personal effort, while appreciating the teamwork and camaraderie of sports like basketball and softball.

“I always wanted to be a little bit better the next day,” she shared, embodying the values of hard work and continuous improvement.

Wall’s athletic achievements included being the #2 player on the USC Florence men’s tennis team before a women’s team existed. She described the experience as challenging and noted how some competitors initially refused to play against a woman.

“One team even forfeited two of their games rather than have to play a girl,” Wall said. Despite these obstacles, she remained focused on competing at the highest level, taking pride in being part of the changing attitude toward women in sports.

Though her college years were marked by struggles for women’s athletic opportunities, Wall highlighted the success of the tennis team at Francis Marion University, which beat the University of South Carolina in a historic match. “So we were very competitive as a little beginning school,” Wall said.

Wall’s roots in Florence shaped her career and family values. Despite receiving several scholarship offers, she chose to stay local, enrolling in Francis Marion University (then called University of South Carolina-Florence).

Her father, a Marine Corps veteran, encouraged her to attend college rather than pursue a career in the Navy.

Growing up in a competitive family, where each of her sisters excelled in their own right, instilled a strong sense of teamwork and determination in Wall.

In 1985, Wall created the Senior Sports Classic, an event that has continued to thrive in Florence for 40 years. This initiative, one of Wall’s most significant contributions to the community, began when she noticed a gap in programs for senior citizens.

“We had plenty for kids, but at the time, we didn’t have any activities for seniors,” Wall explained. Working with Francis Marion University, the event started as a one-day competition for adults over 60. It has since expanded into a multi-week, statewide event that includes 20 sports.

Wall recalls the moment the idea for the Senior Sports Classic was born.

“I was the director of recreation when Fulton Hines, a retired Harlem Globetrotter, moved to Florence and asked if the city had any athletic programs for seniors,” Wall said. “Of course, we had plenty for kids, but at the time, we didn’t have any activities for seniors.”

Wall checked with the state’s Department of Parks and Recreation, the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, and the South Carolina Recreation and Parks Association but found no programs for seniors statewide. “So, we decided to start our own.”

This led to a partnership with Francis Marion University, starting with a one-day competition for individuals aged 60 and older.

“Now we have five weekends and 20 sports all around the state,” Wall said. “So, that’s how it started.” Wall and her team were optimistic about the program’s growth, but she admits they are blown away by how much it has evolved.

Today, the South Carolina Senior Sports Classic is the only sanctioned site for the National Senior Games.

“With the baby boomers aging, we see tremendous potential for the future,” Wall said. The program encourages seniors, especially women who may not have had the chance to compete in high school, to stay active and engaged.

Wall’s work in recreation spans decades, starting in part-time summer roles and ultimately becoming the director of the City of Florence Recreation Department. Her commitment to improving the community and empowering individuals, regardless of age, is at the heart of her career. “We want people to make physical activity a lifestyle, so they can stay healthy,” Wall said.

Her philosophy has always been to leave the world a little better than she found it, an ethos that has guided her both personally and professionally. Reflecting on her legacy, Wall said, “You have to earn everything you get, which is good because that means you have accomplished it.”

Wall’s impact is also evident in the many athletes she has mentored, including Jolette Law, the Assistant Coach for Women’s Basketball at the University of South Carolina.

“It’s good to see those athletes go on and perform at their highest level, but more importantly, see them turn out to be good and productive human beings,” Wall said.

Though Wall is retiring from her role in the Senior Sports Classic, she plans to continue competing and enjoying sports. “I can continue playing,” she said, reinforcing her commitment to a lifelong passion for athletics.

The Marion Medallion Award is a fitting recognition for Wall, who has dedicated so much of her life to fostering community and inspiring others through sports. “It’s tremendous, and I was flabbergasted when I was notified,” she said upon receiving the honor.

Wall said, “Work hard, have a tough skin, and focus on your own goals and legacy.” And to her younger self, she offers one piece of advice: “Take better care of your health.”

This article was written by Taylor Ford of the Morning News and is published by permission. The original article appears on SCNow.com.