Barbara Bellamy coached swimming in Howard County for 30 years. She started with the Columbia Aquatics Association’s (CAA) competitive year-round team in 1978 and 10 years later, launched a new CAA team, the Columbia Clippers. Over 10 years as head coach and team manager, she grew the program from 50 to more than 400 swimmers. Barbara has coached and taught swimming to literally thousands of children, including those in the Columbia Neighborhood Swim League. She retired from coaching in 2007.

Dick Burns was a lacrosse pioneer in Howard County. In 1963, as a high school student, he started the Howard High School Lacrosse Club. In 1970, with financial help from the Columbia Optimist Club, he co-founded the Howard County Lacrosse Program. Later, he established the Howard County Lacrosse Club and co-founded the Central Atlantic Lacrosse League. Through his leadership, Howard County became the incubator for developing youth lacrosse programs in surrounding counties.

Doug Parker has shared his love of sports with the county’s youth. He coached his four children and his children’s friends in soccer, basketball and lacrosse at the recreation and travel-team levels. Doug often toted teams to games in his 15-passenger “Kid Taxi.” In addition, the Parkers started the Glenelg Titans travel basketball team and the Howard Stampede Field Hockey Club. The Stampede, which started in 2002 with one team and about 16 players, has since grown to include 17 teams of players ranging from 3rd to 8th grade. Sadly, Doug Parker passed away in 2008.

Jean Parker has shared her love of sports with the county’s youth. She coached her four children and her children’s friends in soccer, basketball and lacrosse at the recreation and travel-team levels. In addition, the Parkers started the Glenelg Titans travel basketball team and the Howard Stampede Field Hockey Club. The Stampede, which started in 2002 with one team and about 16 players, has since grown to include 17 teams of players ranging from 3rd to 8th grade.

Mary Jane Rudnicki has been an active volunteer with the Howard County Youth Program (HCYP) where she is involved with baseball, softball, basketball and volleyball. Under her guidance, HCYP’s volleyball program grew from a few dozen to several hundred players. In addition, Mary Jane was HCYP’s first female commissioner and its first female board member. Although her own children are no longer involved, she continues to volunteer with HCYP.