A 1980 graduate of Rye Neck High School, Julie Ianello has filled many roles in her tenure here: student, athlete, equipment manager, event supervisor, and assistant to the athletic director.  Each of those roles is important in any school environment, but the person who fills them, even more so. This is where Julie remains beyond comparison. For 20 years, she impacted the lives of the staff, students and their families, and the entire Rye Neck community in her various roles in the athletic department. 

Julie was the cornerstone of the athletic department, acting as the liaison between athletic director and coaching staff, teams and scheduling, officials and games, players and coaches, families and Rye Neck. In general, she was the glue that held the athletic program together, always ready to problem solve, make last minute adjustments, and, maybe most importantly, listen willingly to any staff member, athlete, or parent that needed an empathic ear. She gave caring advice, supported tough decisions, and encouraged everyone, always. 

Julie is a lifesaver..  

This was never more apparent when Julie actually saved the life of a man in cardiac arrest on campus during the summer of 2020.  She was honored by the Mamaroneck police department for her quick thinking, courage and lifesaving skills.  In 2020 she received the Charles J. Gronberg Award from the Old Timers Athletic Association for School and Community Service.  In 2019, Julie was awarded as Section I Administrative Assistant of the Year.

When word spread of Julie’s retirement, the community knew they were losing a valuable piece of what makes Rye Neck, “Rye Neck.” She was a constant that opened her heart and home to the athletes and their families.  Everyone shared exactly what she meant to them:

She was “...the backbone of…the athletic department, “...molding experiences”, “‘...a salt of the earth’ human being”, “...offering endless support”, “...the GOAT of Rye Neck Athetics…”  The superlatives are endless, and Julie’s impact on a generation of Rye Neck is undeniable. 

Julie is enjoying retirement in Florida with her husband, Coach I.  She spends a good deal of her time enjoying her children, their husbands and her grandchildren. And wherever possible supporting good causes raising money through races she continues to run.