Susie "Big Sue" Fudge gleamed with pride during the entire 2021 Mississippi Community and Junior College Sports Hall of Fame inductee ceremony at Hinds Community College. Fudge was recognized alongside some of the best athletes who ever represented Mississippi's junior and community colleges. Fudge represented the Maroon and White in 1978 and 1979 and is described as one of the best players ever to step foot on the court for the Lady Tigers. During her Time at Coahoma, Fudge averaged 25 points per game and assisted her team in being ranked number two in the nation and won the state title and advancing to the regional tournament in 1979.

Fudge expressed complete shock when she received word about the induction ceremony. "I was very excited and lost for words, I could not believe it, but I knew it was a well-deserved award," said Fudge. The Bonita, Louisiana native represented Coahoma Community College as 14 other junior colleges had awardees and only one of four recognized women. Fudge felt honored to flag Coahoma's flag high during the awards ceremony. "I feel extremely proud to be here on behalf of my college and to be honored," said Fudge.

The former aggressive Lady Tiger was surrounded by family and friends on her special night and was presented her award by CCC's president Dr. Valmadge Towner and athletic director Reggy Hankerson. Fudge said the support and love were much appreciated, but she longs for one key audience member.

"I believed this day would come. I wish my mother were here. I wish she could see all of this, how it all turned out and what I accomplished," said Fudge.

Fudge was honored alongside 2012 Olympic gold medalist Brittany Reese who attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, and two-time Super Bowl champion Antowain Smith from East Mississippi Community College.

Big Sue's induction to the 2021 Hall of Fame could not come at a better time to serve as motivation to the fantastic Lady Tigers basketball team that recently placed Coahoma on the map. The Lady Tigers ended their 2021season with a 14-game winning streak and the title of MACCC North co-division and co-state Champions.

Big Sue expressed complete joy to witness her Alma Mata regain the exposure and achievements she achieved while at Coahoma. "I want to tell CCC ladies to keep on working and pushing hard but most importantly remember your academics so you can go on to excel at a four-year school," said Fudge. The 1980 Coahoma graduate continued by urging high school girls to give Coahoma a chance because it was where her journey started. 

"I want young girls, especially from Clarksdale, to think about Coahoma. I will tell them to attend Coahoma. They will have a great time not only on the court but the entire campus," said Fudge.

During her time at Coahoma, Big Sue's high point game average and ability to get to the basket against the league's best defensive players made her a star standout to recruits. Upon graduating from Coahoma with an associate's degree in physical education, she was offered a basketball scholarship to Arkansas College in Batesville, Arkansas, now known as Lyon College. While being a powerful lefty for the Scots, Fudge also received all AIC (Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference) honors.

Fudge could not complete her studies at the time, as she returned home to be a caregiver for her parents. Two years later, Fudge would explore her passion for hairstyling and attend beauty school in Bastrop, LA. Upon graduation, she opened her salon and has been self-employed for the last 35 years.

She was inducted into Coahoma Athletics Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. Fudge currently lives in Bastrop, LA. She is thankful to have five older brothers who all contributed to making her such an incredible basketball player.

The award ceremony also briefly highlighted last year's hall of fame recipients since the event was canceled due to the Coronavirus. Coahoma was represented by Timothy Pollard, a former basketball standout from Friars Point, Mississippi. 

To see a complete list of the 2021 sports hall of fame inductees, please click here.