The story of Our Lady Academy (OLA) is inseparable from the story of St. Joseph’s Academy (SJA). When OLA opened its doors in 1971, it inherited not only the mission and traditions of SJA but also the spirit and pride of its students, including the beloved Gold J’s.
Founded in 1855 by three Sisters of St. Joseph who journeyed from France to Bay St. Louis, St. Joseph’s Academy stood as a beacon of Catholic education for more than a century. Through the Civil War, a devastating fire, and subsequent rebuilding, the sisters remained devoted to forming young women intellectually, spiritually, and physically. The Gold J’s athletic program reflected that mission, encouraging teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, all while building lifelong friendships.
For alumna and former player Susan Ryan-Estrade, those years hold some of her fondest memories. “I was a member of the varsity Gold J’s squad during my high school years at SJA from 1963 through 1967. I lettered during those years,” she recalls. “I played forward position. At that time, girls played half court rather than full court.”
Ryan-Estrade reflects warmly on her time as a Gold J. “My fondest memories during my time on the team were being a member of a group of girls who loved playing basketball and who enjoyed representing a school which they loved,” she says. “Also, for a short while when our regular coach couldn’t coach us, my dad was our coach. That was special for me.”
Her senior year was especially meaningful. “Very special was the year—my senior year—when we earned the opportunity to play in the South Mississippi State Tournament and bring home the runner-up trophy in 1967,” Ryan-Estrade shares.
Another highlight came when they defeated their rivals from Baton Rouge. “An exciting accomplishment always was when we were able to beat our rival Baton Rouge SJA team. We did so during my senior year with our team scoring 39 points,” she says. “It was a pretty good game for me as I scored 31 of the 39 points in that game. And that was before 3-point shots!”
When St. Joseph’s Academy closed its doors in 1967, the last class—including Ryan-Estrade—graduated knowing they were part of the end of an era. But the school’s spirit was not lost. “It means a great deal to me to have the legacy of Saint Joseph Academy carried on by Our Lady Academy,” Ryan-Estrade explains. “After about four years, OLA opened and once again young ladies in the surrounding area have been able to attend an all-girls Catholic school. And I’m very happy that one of our granddaughters will begin attending OLA as a seventh grader next year.”
For Ryan-Estrade, the lessons of St. Joseph’s Academy go far beyond the classroom or the basketball court. “Anything and everything the young ladies are involved in at these schools, including basketball, should help them to move toward these beautiful and worthwhile goals,” she says. “The education and formation that I received there was, I believe, the basis for me to have a wonderful marriage with my husband, Mel, for now 50 years, for us to raise two boys who are now good men and fathers who have children of their own, and for me to enjoy a 43-year-long career educating and forming young men and women at Saint Stanislaus and Saint Clare Schools.”
Her advice to today’s athletes is simple but heartfelt: “Enjoy the experience and your time with your teammates. You will be making friendships and forming memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. And represent your school well!”
