Nora Zamarripa
Inducted 2005
Hometown: Lyford
High School: Lyford High School
College: Texas A&I University
Best Known for: Coaching – Basketball
b. March 5, 1956
One of the greatest coaches in state history, Zamarripa advanced from a stellar career as the point guard for Lyford's state-bound basketball team to an extended run as a hard-driving mentor at Edinburg High and Harlingen.
She became the first female to sign a letter of intent for a $600 basketball scholarship after the passage of Title IX. She played basketball and ran track for at Texas A&I University.
No one has even had to question the desire of Zamarripa who has captured more than 600 lifetime wins and developed dozens of standout lady hoopsters and future coaches.
She began at Edinburg High and spent seven years bringing that program to the top with 160 wins and three playoff berths. At Harlingen her disciplined approach has enshrined the Lady Cardinals as the Valley's elite unit. Zamarripa's teams have made 16 playoff trips since 1989, including an appearance in the regional quarterfinals in 2010, and she achieved the 500-win milestone in 2004.
Zamarripa has often coached on the state All-Star level and has always been active in Texas coaching organizations.