Susan Ellis is one of the most accomplished high school soccer coaches in the nation, with a career defined by excellence, longevity, and a deep commitment to student-athletes. During her tenure at Ursuline Academy of Dallas, from 1984 – 2000, she led the Bears to a remarkable 322–22–18 record and 15 state championships, establishing Ursuline as a national model for competitive excellence and program leadership.

Across her career, Ellis compiled a 561–94–49 overall coaching record, with sustained success at both Ursuline Academy and Durham Academy. Her impact extended beyond the high school level as an assistant coach with the Carolina Courage of the Women’s United Soccer Association, where she helped guide the team to the 2003 league championship.

As a player, Ellis competed at the highest levels of the sport, winning four national championships at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and more than 30 national titles overall. Combined with her coaching career, she has been part of more than 55 national championship teams. Her contributions have been recognized with induction into the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame and the Durham Academy Hall of Fame, along with honors from the Women’s Sports Foundation, United Soccer Coaches Association, and numerous state and regional organizations. Her legacy at Ursuline reflects not only championship success, but a lasting commitment to leadership, mentorship, and Serviam through sport.

Becky Wade Firth ’07 is an author, coach, and former professional runner. She began racing at age nine alongside her father and siblings, including sister Rachel Wade ’06, and went on to compete in track and cross country at St. Rita, Ursuline Academy of Dallas, and Rice University. At Rice, she earned a full athletic scholarship and distinguished herself as a four-time NCAA Division I All-American, U.S. Junior National Champion, Conference USA NCAA Woman of the Year honoree, and school record-holder in four events. Following college, Becky was awarded a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, during which she spent a year exploring running cultures and training styles in nine countries. That experience inspired her 2016 book, Run the World: My 3,500-Mile Journey Through Running Cultures Around the Globe (HarperCollins). Becky spent eight years as a professional track and road runner, winning her debut marathon, competing in four U.S. Olympic Trials, and representing Team USA internationally three times. In 2021, she returned to Ursuline as head cross country coach; from 2021–2025, the Bears captured two TAPPS 6A State Championships and were named Ursuline’s Sports Program of the Year in 2024. Becky has been recognized with the TAPPS Edd Burleson Athletic Leadership Award (2024) and Ursuline’s Young Alumni Award (2014).

Alina Garciamendez-Rowold ’09 was a multi-sport athlete before focusing on soccer in high school. She played at Ursuline Academy of Dallas from 2005–2009, helping lead the team to four state championships under Coach Jamie Cantrell. Alina continued her soccer career at Stanford University from 2010–2014, serving as a three-year co-captain and winning an NCAA National Championship in 2011. She proudly represented the Mexican National Team from 2008–2016, competing in the 2011 and 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cups. Following her playing career, Alina pursued pediatric dentistry and, in 2020, began practicing as a board-certified pediatric dentist alongside her mother.

Mary Walters '75 is a trailblazer whose life and career have helped expand opportunities for women in athletics. Competing during the early years of Title IX, Mary began her Ursuline basketball career playing six-person, half-court basketball, a reflection of the era’s limitations on women’s sports. Even then, her competitive spirit and determination set her apart.

After graduating from Ursuline, Mary continued her athletic journey at Trinity University, where she competed in basketball, softball, and volleyball. She earned TAIAW Academic All-American honors and distinguished herself as both a multi-sport athlete and a scholar. Her experiences during this transformative period in women’s athletics shaped a lifelong commitment to building opportunities for future generations.

Mary went on to earn her master’s degree from SMU and began a 35-year career at The University of Texas at Dallas. In 1993, she was charged with launching UTD’s intercollegiate athletics program from the ground up. As the founding architect of UTD Athletics, she added varsity sports, hired coaches, developed facilities, and established a program culture rooted in integrity and excellence. Her visionary leadership earned her induction into the UT Dallas Hall of Honors in 2015.

In addition to her work at the collegiate level, Mary served for 14 years as Athletic Director at St. Rita Catholic School, further extending her impact on young student-athletes. Throughout her career, she has embodied perseverance, leadership, and a deep commitment to living the spirit of Serviam through sport.