Diana Demianenko , born in Coaldale, Pennsylvania in 1932, was a true pioneer in women’s athletics.

Although her opportuniti es to play organized sports at Coaldale High School were limited, she was an outstanding student,

gymnast and basketball player. After high school, she attended East Stroudsburg University where she excelled in

basketball, field hockey and track and field and graduated with honors in the field of Health and Physical Education. Upon

graduation, she joined the faculty of Clifton Heights High School, teaching health and physical education as well as

coaching women's basketbal l. During this time, Miss Dee competed at the state and

national level in track and field, specializing in the discus, shot putt, and javelin throw. She

was selected as an alternate for the United States Women's Track Team for the Helsinki,

Finland Olympics in 1958.

In addition to her teaching and coaching duties, Miss Dee qualified for the Office

Candidate School of the United States Marine Corps where she was promoted to First

Lieutenant and served from 1957 to 1960. It is in the ‘60s that Miss Dee found her way to

South Jersey and received a Master's degree in Guidance from Glassboro State College.

She spent a year on th e staff at Deptford High School, and then as fate would have it,

found her way into eagle country. Miss Dee then went on to dedicate forty years to West Deptford High School teaching

Health and PE and coaching. She was a thre e - sport coach serving at the helm of both the Lady Eagle basketball and

softball teams as well as double - teaming with Mrs. Sally Jordan as her assistant in field hockey. The dynamic team of

Jordan and Dee captured six championships, making WD a force to contend with in the Olympic

and Colonial conferences.

Her achievements and honors speak for themselves. In basketball, she had a r ecord of 237 wins

and 94 losses, garnering eight conference championships and being honored as “Coach of the Year

” by the NJ Coaches Association. She has been inducted in to the WDHS Athletic Hall of Fame as

well as the Carbon County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Miss Dee was also a

founding member of the South Jersey Coaches of Women's Sports, an organization dedicated to

recognizing the accomplishments of all women’s sports coaches. She was a respected member of

the coaching community whose integrity and principles of sportsmanship and fair play were a

tribute to her. Throughout her tenure, Miss Dee wore the

“Green & White” well. Her loyalty and school spirit exemplified the highest degree

of “Eagle Pride”. Her passion and commitment to WD and her students have inspired many and lives on in this award .

DIANA DEMIANENKO EXCELLENCE IN ATHLETICS AWARD

Given by family, colleagues and friends of Miss Dee

In memory of Diana Demianenko former Health & Physical Education teacher a nd

coach to a female multi - sport student athlete who exemplifies excellence in athletics

throughout her four year career and displays good character, sportsmanship,

leadership, loyalty, integrity, and school spirit.

Amount: $1,000 check

Nominations accepted by coach and/or by application

Selection is by committee members

Presented at the All Sports Banquet by a member of the Committee