Extra Effort: Where are they now? Gorham sisters give back as teachers, coaches
Posted December 3, 2020 10:57 p.m. EST
Updated December 5, 2020 11:26 a.m. EST
"For four years it's been double your pleasure, double your fun at Southwest Edgecombe High School. For four years the Gorham Twins: Pam, number 25 and Phyllis, number 30 were twin terrors for their opponents," beamed former WRAL-TV Sports Anchor Tom Suiter back in 1988 when originally presented this Extra Effort Award. "During this time the Gorhams lead Southwest to 104 wins against just eight losses."
"We had great players back then, we worked together," said Pam Gorham, former Extra Effort Award Winner. "It was no 'big I, little u,' it was a team effort."
"And that's why today, the Southwest Edgecombe community was more than happy to help us honor the Gorham twins as this week's Extra Effort Award winners," Suiter said.
"I believe that was the Gorham Twins Day, just like our birthday is today," laughed Pam.
"It was just 'wow,' I can't really believe we received that award," recalled Phyllis Gorham-Battle, former Extra Effort Award Winner.
Pam and Phyllis never forgot where they came from because they've been working to give back in that same community ever since. Both elementary school educators: Phyllis at GW Carver and Pam at GW Bulluck. Both coaches: Pam the head volleyball and assistant basketball whistle carrier at her alma mater, Phyllis the hoops master at the middle school.
"To teach these young girls about life, about experiences, sometimes you're gonna win, sometimes you're gonna lose, but you learn to pick yourself up, keep going and try to do your best," explains Phyllis.
"The thing about is you never quit," nodded Pam. "We always play to win."
A creed apparently embedded in Gorham genetics. If not for the pandemic, we'd likely be bestowing the same honor upon Phyllis's daughter Jada Battle. A three-sport star at Southwest Edgecombe High School herself, toting an A-Minus average.
"She has that push to do what she's told to do, what she's asked to do, and even a little bit more," said Pam, who coaches Jade in volleyball.
"It runs in the family so, Jada just carries on our tradition," smiles mom Phyllis.
That being one of excellence and selflessness, which is why for 32 years we've been proud to call Pam and Phyllis Gorham winners of the Tom Suiter Extra Effort Award.
