Julia Myers
July 23, 1997 everything changed.
A legend entered the world that day, one which couldn’t be fully appreciated at the moment.
It was only as Julia Myers, AKA Judy, or “Elbows” as I like to think of her, grew up, that the world began to fully realize what a hunk of pure, unfiltered awesomeness had popped out that day.
In my 25 years of covering sports on Whidbey Island, there have been a fair amount of dynamic athletes and a few transcendent ones.
Julia is one of the transcendent ones.
I’m not saying she’s the single most talented athlete I’ve ever seen, but she is resilient beyond belief, as tough as they come (while fiercely loyal and caring to her teammates) and has a spark, a light, that is hard to match.
It is not fair that her momma can’t be here to see the woman Julia has become, both as an athlete and a human being, but her heart would burst with pride.
Miss Myers, as much as any high school athlete I have covered on the beat, exudes a warmth and calmness of spirit that is unmatched.
If she reminds me of anyone, it is of former Wolf basketball star Jodi (Christensen) Crimmins, because both were supremely gentle, deeply caring friends to all off the court, and utter beasts on the hardwood.
Her left leg encased in a brace and all sorts of support gear — victim to horrifying soccer injuries that might have forever derailed a lesser athlete — Julia, like Jodi, played basketball with a beautiful, king-sized chip on her shoulder.
Myers eyes, so full of life and joy off the court, would flip over like a shark’s as she stepped on the court and go cold, black and deadly.
And it was freakin’ awesome to behold.
So often, young girls are told to be nice, to act like a lady, and on and on, and it sometimes stunts their growth as an athlete.
I hope every little girl in Coupeville had the chance to see Julia play, and is allowed to embrace her philosophy.
You can be supremely nice, considerate of others, a blessing to your family, friends and community. But you can also be proud of yourself, have confidence, play with passion and a rock-solid belief you deserve to win.
Julia, like Jodi, was not a dirty player. Ever.
But she never, ever, backed down. She attacked. She committed.
When she came off the floor, dropping subtle side-eye daggers at the ref who fouled her out, there was not an ounce of sweat or spirit left, because Julia never held back.
She was a player every young athlete, girl or boy, should emulate.
As she celebrates her birthday and prepares for the transition to college, all I really want to say to Julia is two words.
Thank you.
It has been a genuine pleasure to write about you, Miss Myers, and, since you’re wise beyond your youth, I hope you realize now, and not just down the road, what high regard we all have for you.
You’re a winner, Judy. Every day, in every way.
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