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Judy
Martelli, a native of Delaware County and graduate of Immaculata College,
spoke to the Rotary Club of Central Delaware County about her experience
playing women’s basketball at Immaculata. Ms. Martelli was on the
Mighty Macs basketball team, under Coach Cathy Rush, when they won three
consecutive National Women’s Collegiate Championships in 1972, 1973
and 1974. Ms. Martelli told the Rotary members about the tremendous support
of the nuns at Immaculata. One example of that support was when the nuns
sent the basketball team to the Championship playoff game. They only had
enough money to send the team one way and told the team not to worry, they
would get the money for their return trip somehow.
Judy and her team’s experience
winning their first championship is captured in a film by Tim Chambers currently
titled Our Lady of Victory. The film stars Ellen Bursten, Carla Gugino and
David Boreanaz. Judy Martelli was one of seven of the original eleven teammates
who will make a cameo appearance in the movie as nuns.
Judy is married to Phil Martelli, St.
Joseph’s basketball coach, and has 3 grown children. Her two sons
are college assistant basketball coaches and her daughter is a college student.
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