Julie Bradley has been involved in athletics for most of her life, as a participant, coach, teacher, and official. She attended Southern Connecticut State College from 1962-66 and play some volleyball there. After graduation she started teaching Physical Education first in North Haven (66-68), then Willimantic (68-70) and then at East Connecticut State University from 1970-74. Julie’s girls came along in ’74 and ’76 so she took time off to “mother”. When she returned to the field she worked at the Williams School in New London where she taught, coached and was assistant athletic director for 17 years. She taught for a total of 25 years, grades K-college until retiring in 2005. Julie has coached track and field, basketball, field hockey and softball.
Julie got involved with officiating volleyball in the early ‘70s. Under the tutelage of her mentors Barbara Startup and Tony Aretakis she has become a much sought after official. She is called on to work high school games during regular season and tournament play. Julie has also been called on to help train new officials on many occasions. After retiring from coaching and teaching, Julie got re-certified to officiate volleyball and is back doing high school and recreational matches. Although much has changed since she left the game in the 80’s, she loves every minute of officiating and finds it very challenging and rewarding. In addition to volleyball, she has also officiated softball, soccer, basketball and field hockey.
Julie is still an active athlete, participating and competing on the state and national levels in basketball, racquetball, badminton and track and field. She has participated in three National Senior Olympics. She won silver in the 1500m in 2001, silver in basketball and badminton singles and a bronze in badminton doubles in 2005. This July she competed in the 2007 games and won a silver medal in the 60-64 badminton doubles and placed fourth in the badminton singles and 5th in 3-on-3 basketball.
Julie has been married to her high school sweetheart Barry for 41 years; they have two married daughter Keebyn and Kyndra and two granddaughters Annabelle and Jorja.