Born: 1958 (Alton, Illinois)
AnnMaria De Mars (born August 15, 1958) is an American technology executive, author, and judoka. She is widely recognized as the first American to win a gold medal at the World Judo Championships, competing in the -56 kg weight class, for the 1984 World Judo Tournament. De Mars is not only an accomplished athlete but also a successful entrepreneur and advocate for Native American communities.
Born and raised in the small community of Alton, Illinois, De Mars’s journey in judo began when she joined a local YMCA at the age of 12. It quickly became apparent that she had a natural talent for the sport. At the age of 16, De Mars won her division at the USJA Junior Nationals, marking her first major competition victory.
In 1974, De Mars entered college at Washington University in St. Louis as a Business major. During her time in college, she continued to excel in judo and won several prestigious championships, including the US Senior Nationals, US Collegiate Nationals, and the US Open. At the age of 18, as a college junior, De Mars had the incredible opportunity to be an exchange student at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan. It was during her time in Japan that she trained under the guidance of Sensei Osawa and further honed her skills in judo.
De Mars graduated from college with a degree in business in 1978. However, with the absence of women’s judo world championships at that time, she made the decision to step away from competitive judo and pursue further studies. This led her to enroll in the University of Minnesota, where she earned her MBA in 1980. During her time in graduate school, De Mars missed the first women’s world championships. However, she returned to the sport in 1981 and achieved remarkable success, winning bronze in the British Open and the Tournoi d’Orleans.
In 1982, De Mars reached the pinnacle of her judo career. She was ranked number one in the USJI rankings and won the highly competitive US Open. However, she did not compete in the second women’s world championships due to the birth of her daughter, María. Despite taking a step back from active competition, De Mars remained involved in the sport and turned her attention towards coaching and teaching.
Throughout her judo journey, De Mars recognized the importance of education and its impact on personal development. As a result, she pursued further academic study and obtained an MA and PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of California, Riverside. Her expertise in psychology proved invaluable when she taught her daughter, Ronda Rousey, the proper mindset and mental preparation for fights. Ronda would go on to become an Olympic bronze medalist judoka and a former UFC Bantamweight world champion.
In addition to her accomplishments in judo, De Mars has made significant contributions in the field of technology and education. She is the Chief Executive Officer of 7 Generation Games, a company dedicated to creating educational video games that teach math and social studies, with a specific focus on Native American communities. De Mars has also served as the CEO of The Julia Group, a statistical consulting firm, and has authored grants for various Native American programs, showcasing her commitment to promoting educational opportunities for underserved communities.
De Mars’s efforts and achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2013, she was named in Forbes’ annual list of the 40 Women to Watch Over 40. This recognition highlights her incredible professional contributions and her dedication to innovation and disruption, even after the age of 40.
Beyond her professional endeavors, De Mars is a passionate advocate for Native American rights and cultural preservation, actively working to empower Native American communities. Her contributions to society extend far beyond the realm of sports and technology, making her an influential figure in women’s history and a role model for future generations.
Overall, AnnMaria De Mars’s life and accomplishments are a testament to her determination, resilience, and commitment to excellence. As a trailblazing athlete, successful entrepreneur, and passionate advocate, she has left an indelible mark on society and continues to inspire others to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact.