Marion County Athletic Association honours Bishop Chatard’s Julia Score as City Female Athlete of the Year
The Marion County Athletic Association has named Bishop Chatard High School’s Julia Score as City Female Athlete of the Year, citing her consistency, academic credentials, and community contributions ahead of her final state meet.
Julia Score, a distance runner at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis and a recruit for Wake Forest University, has been named City Female Athlete of the Year by the Marion County Athletic Association. The award, which evaluates candidates on athletic performance, academic standing, and off-the-field contributions, recognises Score’s sustained excellence across her four years in high school. She is currently preparing for her final state track meet next week.
Score’s athletic record includes sectional records in the 1,600 and 3,200 metres, a city record in the 1,600 metres, and a role in helping her team achieve an indoor state record in the 4x800-metre relay. Her competitive history shows a steady progression, including a 10th place finish in cross country and fourth place in the 1,600 metres as a freshman, eighth place in the 1,600 metres as a sophomore, and second place in the 3,200 metres as a junior. On the national stage, she placed 12th at the 2024 Nike Indoor Nationals and 16th at the 2025 New Balance Outdoor Nationals.
Coach Dan Kinghorn described Score’s focus during competition as intense, noting that she enters a state of concentration where external distractions cease. Kinghorn highlighted her year-round consistency and work ethic, stating that she brings the same level of effort every day without complaint. This dedication has helped her cross country and track teams secure city titles throughout her tenure at Bishop Chatard.
Score’s journey into running began with difficulty; she admitted to crying during races at age six when her parents entered her in events alongside her older sister, Ellie. However, she developed resilience, beginning to win races by fifth grade. Although she competed in basketball through her sophomore year, she found the camaraderie of distance running more aligned with her preferences, valuing the supportive culture of the sport over the competitive intensity of basketball.
Her philosophy on racing centres on personal improvement rather than placement, and she actively encourages teammates after competitions. Score will compete in the 4x800-metre relay and the 3,200 metres at her final state meet on Friday at North Central High School.
