The Shadow
It is with great pride and excitement that the Virginian Review announces the appointment of Delethea Quarles, former 1984 Alleghany High School (AHS) graduate as the women’s jumps/multis coach for Team USA in the 2024 Olympic Games which will be held in Paris this summer. Quarles, who is currently the Director of James Madison University’s (JMU) track and field program, has been recognized for her outstanding achievements and contributions to the world of athletics.
Quarles was born and raised in Alleghany County and says her family played a major role in getting her where she is today, alongside her former coach at AHS, Charlie Julg, among other coaches who inspired her. Julg has faithfully been sending handwritten notes of encouragement to Quarles for the past 34 years, and her family has been a staple in her life and career since the beginning. “I’m the youngest of five, and my sisters and brother were great examples of keeping the right things and what’s important in front of me. That motivated me. My parents did an amazing job at always giving their best to us and that’s where it started,” Quarles stated about her close relationship with her family.
Miss Quarles began her incredible journey in the world of track and field in the 80’s when she attended Alleghany High School. Her passion for the sport ignited during those adolescent years, where she displayed extraordinary talent and dedication. Her infectious enthusiasm and magnetic personality, infused with her natural athleticism then propelled her to become a three-time All-American and secure a commendable 5th place finish in the heptathlon at the NCAA Division 2 Outdoor National Championship.
But her accomplishments don’t stop there. Quarles began her collegiate journey at Liberty University where she obtained her degree while simultaneously making a name for herself in track and field, ultimately landing in Liberty University’s Athletic Hall of Fame. After graduation, she was immediately asked to stay on as a member of the staff as their assistant coach. It was a role Quarles embraced for eight seasons. During that time, she helped propel the Liberty Flames’ outdoor conference in gaining titles both in 1988 and 1989.
Now at JMU, Delethea Quarles prepares for her upcoming stint in Paris for Team USA. However, it is not a role she is completely new to, as she has been a part of several international teams in addition to serving as head coach in the Olympics in the past. Quarles shared that she also represented Team USA in 2015 in Beijing but says the upcoming Summer Olympics in 2024 will be the first time she’s been part of the Olympic staff.
“It makes me very emotional. It’s one of the top honors in my life getting selected for this knowing how many coaches [there are] in the country and I got selected. The honor that goes into that, knowing that I was chosen, and every time I was chosen to represent my country, it’s very special. It is hard to put into words… When these things happen to me, it lets me know that it’s way bigger than me,” Quarles said about being hand selected to represent the United States. The prestigious honor not only displays her tremendous coaching abilities, but her unyielding commitment to the sport as well.
As a member of the Alleghany High School Athletic Hall of Fame, Quarles remains closely planted to her roots here in Alleghany County and she continues to inspire young athletes. “Sometimes you come from a small place and you may not be able to think of big things, but my journey has proven that sometimes, it’s doing the right things, coming from the right place —I feel like Covington was the right place for me— you work hard, keep your integrity, and somewhere along the way, you get blessed to do some really remarkable things.”
Being a female in the predominantly male world of sports is remarkable in its own right and was something we discussed in depth, as we both understand the hardships involved. When asked what advice she would give to female athletes, Quarles said, “If you have a passion for it and you’re willing to work hard and you’re the best at what you do, you might just end up in a room full of men.” I believe Miss Quarles would agree there is nothing wrong with that!
Delethea Quarles has been inspirational for so many throughout her journey that now branches out far beyond the grounds of our small community here in Alleghany County. Still, she wants to remind others to stay true to yourself and true to where you came from. “There’s no place like home. Sometimes you have to travel the world to find out that home matters, your friends that really know you matter, and there’s nothing that can replace that. I am so grateful for my journey.”
Quarles’ words resonate from deep within and should be a lesson to all of us who come from a small town that it’s ok to dream big and touch the stars but let us always stay grounded in the roots of home. Coach Quarles, who once donned the shoes of a track and field star during her time at AHS, will soon inspire the world when she steps into the shoes of a global role model for aspiring athletes longing to follow in her footsteps. Soon, she will show the world that having your roots planted in a small town doesn’t mean your tree can’t grow beyond the city limits.
Now, as we eagerly await the commencement of the 2024 Olympic games with a new excitement in the air to see one of our own on the television screen, the Virginian Review wishes to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Delethea Quarles. Her appointment as the women’s jumps/multis coach for Team USA is a living testimony of her time spent on the track both as an astounding athlete and as a tremendous coach. We are all confident she will leave an indelible mark on Team USA and the world as she continues to inspire future generations to dream big!
