The Final Buzzer: Victoria Joe Retires

Meet Victoria Joe, a true trailblazer in the world of basketball officiating. After an impressive 30-year career, she will become the first woman to reach 30 years of officiating in the Gallup Group. Her dedication, resilience, and passion have left a lasting impact on the local basketball community, shattered gender stereotypes, and opened doors for aspiring officials, especially women, in the Gallup area.

Victoria began her career as a referee through the nudging of her mother. “I was coaching basketball, and I was pretty harsh on the players and refs," she continued, "My mom said you need to spend a year in those stripes to see what it's like!" She took her mother's advice and began officiating city league games for the youth and men's leagues.

Victoria's journey as a basketball official took work. As the only woman in the Gallup area, she faced numerous challenges when first stepping onto the court. She thought about quitting often during the first year but stuck it out with her mother's encouragement. Victoria said, "After those men's city league games, I would cry all the way home." But she refused to let those obstacles deter her. Victoria broke through the glass ceiling with unwavering determination to become Gallup's first female basketball official.

Victoria has been a familiar face on the basketball courts of Gallup and neighboring communities for three decades. Her fair and unbiased officiating style earned her the respect and admiration of players, coaches, and fans. She loves the game and the players. You can often catch her in the stands as a spectator when she's not on the court officiating.

Victoria's commitment to fairness and sportsmanship always remains strong regardless of the team or the game's stakes. Her remarkable accomplishments are noted in her journey as a basketball official. From officiating State Tournaments to being chosen for championship games, she has repeatedly proven that gender is no barrier to success in sports. Besides youth basketball and adult leagues, Victoria has officiated at the collegiate and semi-professional level. 

Victoria Joe's upcoming retirement marks the end of an era in the Gallup basketball community. Let us celebrate her achievements and pay tribute to her incredible legacy.