Julia Vogt ‘17 - 2025 Young Alumna of the Year
By KRISTIN BECK ‘05
Presentation Academy
Julia Vogt ’17 may have graduated eight years ago, but it’s like she never left. She currently coaches three Topper sports teams and has served as Assistant Athletic Director and an accounting assistant. Her dedication and love for Pres are reasons why she was named the 2025 Young Alumna of the Year.
“The community was the best part of attending Pres,” Julia said. “My best friends from high school are still my best friends to this day. Whenever I wear a Pres shirt out, someone always comments on how they went there.”
As an eighth grader, Julia chose Pres because, from her first visit on, she felt like she was at home. “I came from a small grade school and liked the smaller school environment,” she said. “It felt like the coaches and teachers truly cared about my education and growth.”
Julia was a four-sport athlete, competing in golf, cross country, track and basketball. She was also a member of National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. She said she was more than ready for college thanks to Pres. “I felt more prepared than many of my college counterparts for my college courses,” she said. “My Pres teachers helped incorporate college-level expectations into work prior to us graduating. Pres also exposed me to more worldviews than other schools. I was able to become more connected to people of different backgrounds.”
Julia earned her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from University of Louisville’s J.B. Speed School and her master’s degree in business administration from U of L’s College of Business. She has worked several jobs since graduating, including clubhouse manager at Shawnee Golf Course and as an accounting associate for Pres. Currently, she is a sales operations analyst for Stored Value Systems.
Julia returned to Topper athletics in 2022 when she took over as the head golf coach. She became the track head coach (currently serving as the assistant coach) and an assistant basketball coach in 2023. “I love sports and enjoy teaching others through sports,” she said. “I think many valuable skills can be gained through athletics, including communication and leadership.”
Julia also stepped into the assistant athletic director role in 2023, serving in that capacity for two years. She said she wanted to be involved with helping to grow the athletic programs.
Not only does Julia support Pres through athletics, but she also helped spearhead the Class of 2017 scholarship, which began in 2020. “Pres had provided us with countless opportunities we would not have received elsewhere, and we wanted to continue to support current Pres Girls to have those opportunities as well,” she said. Each year, the scholarship awards $750 to two Pres seniors who are actively involved in school activities.
She encourages other alums to give back to Pres, whether that is with their time, talent or treasure. “The small school environment at Pres gave us opportunities to develop as leaders that may not have been as accessible elsewhere. I think it is important to continue to provide those opportunities for current and future Pres Girls as well.”
“Julia is one of Pres’s biggest ambassadors in the community and is always in attendance at Pres events,” her nominator said. “Julia treasures her memories of her time at Pres and wants to pass along the experience of creating a lasting sisterhood to others, which she does with her commitment to ensuring available financial aid, along with her ‘lead by example’ dependable leadership. She is truly a shining example for all past, present and future Pres Girls to emulate.”
When asked what advice she has for current Pres Girls, Julia said, “Be willing to step out of your comfort zone.”
