Truckin' on the Western Branch

Dedication—Gracie Lee VanDyck Gracie Lee VanDyck was skeptical when I first called her in the spring of 2013 to request an interview. We were beginning a new cultural journalism project for the Suffolk River Heritage foundation and hoped she would be a key “player” in our storyteller “line-up.” Miss VanDyck or Gracie Lee, as many knew her, epitomized the strong connection that sports and schools had and have for the Churchland-Western Branch community. Gracie Lee VanDyck had been my basketball coach beginning in 1961 and her kind, strong, and independent spirit impressed me. Until I met Gracie Lee I never knew there were women like her on this earth. She was an advocate for women long before Title IX opened the doors for equal access to sports for them in 1972. She taught her players about playing hard and playing fair in sports and life when often “things” weren’t fair. She encouraged us to set life goals and work towards them. Later, I chose her Madison College, played varsity basketball, and became a public school teacher. I am sure many others pursued their goals as well thanks to her support and encouragement. Gracie Lee VanDyck made a difference. She joined the teaching staff at Churchland Academy in 1947 and moved to the new Churchland High School on High Street West in 1954. When the Portsmouth annexation split the schools with Chesapeake, she moved to Western Branch High School. She was a gifted teacher, coach, and mentor to thousands. She advocated for girls in a time when they were often treated as second-class citizens in athletics. She coached girls’ softball and basketball teams, sometimes paying for uniforms and equipment out of her own resources. In the 1960s she coached basketball teams at both Churchland and St. Paul’s High Schools, balancing practice and game times. She was always fighting for gym time and team buses around the boys’ teams.

We returned for a second interview with Gracie Lee on a Thursday because that was when she had her hair done. She insisted. She had style.

That was in March 2013, and Gracie Lee passed away just months later in July.

We dedicate this book, Truckin’ on the Western Branch , to Gracie Lee, grateful that we had the opportunity to hear her stories and memories of Churchland and Western Branch.

Gracie Lee VanDyck. Image by Sheally

Karla M. Smith—one of her players

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