Julie Richardson Demarco

Swimming - Class of 1987

"Coach Bruce Bove described Julie Richardson Demarco as the "epitome of the student athlete" and as "one of the finest" swimmers in South history. Given the thousands of swimmers that Coach Bove has coached in his decades long career, these words speak volumes about the height of excellence that Julie achieved. Born the daughter of a father who swam in the Olympics and as a girl who started to swim at the age of seven, Julie was destined for big things in the pool. At Shawnee Mission South, Julie found a program that provided a dynamic experience and that fostered a culture of "teamsmanship" where "leadership came in many roles," where everyone had a purpose and a place on the team. Coach Bove's ability to create community and model leadership helped Julie to maximize her phenomenal talent. During her career at South, Julie earned 2 individual State Championships in the 50 Freestyle (1985, 1987) and a team State Championship in the 400 Freestyle Relay (1987). Her success and confidence in swimming allowed Julie to "propel up" and has given her the "ability to make change" in the face of adversity and opportunity. Julie is grateful to South, which felt like a "small supportive community with a solid core," and to the seasons, which she anticipated "giddy with happiness." It was during this time that Julie learned that "friendship comes first" for teams to be successful, and that we must be "humble in victory" and "stubborn enough to persist." Congratulations Julie – and welcome to the Raider Athletic Hall of Fame."