Celebrating the service and commitment of Loyola's legacy educators

Champions! Mary celebrates the reunion of Loyola Academy's 1997 and 1998 State Championship girls' basketball teams during halftime of the varsity game vs Montini on December 1, 2023 The 1997 team finished with a 31-2 record, and the 1998 team finished with a 36-1 record and was ranked 5th in the nation!

Ms. Mary Just

Fast Facts

NUMBER OF YEARS AT LA: 29 YEARS

CURRENT ROLE: PE DEPARTMENT CHAIR

PREVIOUS ROLES: FRESHMEN GIRLS' VOLLEYBALL COACH, BOYS' HEAD VOLLEYBALL COACH, FRESHMEN BOYS' VOLLEYBALL COACH, ASSISTANT VARSITY GIRLS' BASKETBALL COACH

HOMETOWN/ CURRENTTOWN: DESPLAINES/ARLINGTONHEIGHTS

EDUCATION: LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO, 1988 BS, NATIONAL LOUIS UNIVERSITY 2002, MA, Educational Administration

Students, teachers, and staff are what makes this place so special. We have dedicated teachers and staff who believe in students and care about the person, no academics

What is one thing that people might not know about you?

I am a member of five athletic hall of fames: Maine West High School (as a volleyball and basketball player); Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (as a basketball player); Girls Catholic Athletic Conference (as a coach); Loyola University (as a volleyball and basketball player); Loyola Academy (as a coach of several teams).

What Loyola moment will you never forget?

Winning back-to-back state championships in girls' basketball as an assistant coach in 1997 and 1998. The players on those teams were not only incredible players, but outstanding young women The parents were amazing as well I still keep in touch with several players today 25 years later!

What makes Loyola Academy a special place?

The people! Students, teachers, and staff are what makes this place so special We have dedicated teachers and staff who believe in students and care about the whole person, not just academics Relationships I have formed with colleagues, students, and parents will continue to stay with me beyond Loyola.

What advice do you have for students today?

Live each day with joy in your heart and be nice to people You never know what they are going through Sometimes just a smile and a hello is all someone needs to brighten up their day.