"The Incredibles: Relentless Motor, Versatile Game, and Impact Felt Everywhere on the Floor"

Julia Marie Varpness

@JuliaVarpress

IG: @julia.varpness1

6’0”, 160lbs, Class of 2025

Green Hill High School / Cumberland University, TN

Nickname: Beauty and the Beast - knock out in a prom dress, and she is ferocious on the court.

Julia brings a high-energy, inside-out game built on versatility, hustle, and basketball IQ. She has the size and strength to dominate the paint, while also stretching the floor with a smooth three-point shot. She rebounds with purpose, finishes efficiently around the rim, and can adjust her game based on her defender’s weaknesses. Whether she’s pushing the ball in transition right after a rebound or spotting up on the perimeter, she plays with a strong presence and relentless drive. Her ability to play both inside and out makes her a matchup problem in nearly any lineup.

This past season, Julia averaged 9 points per game, shooting 36% from three and 50% from two, while also adding 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and a deflection per game. She improved her three-point shooting, free throw consistency, and ability to run the floor in transition, earning All-District honors while helping Green Hill finish first in District 12-AAAA. Now focused on preparing for her freshman season at Cumberland University, she’s working on her off-hand, shooting off the dribble, and handling the ball under pressure.

A coach can expect her to bring a “high motor” every single game, never taking a play off, staying aggressive on the glass, locking in defensively, and making the hustle plays that swing momentum. She thrives off big moments, whether it’s an and-one, a teammate diving for a loose ball, or a perfectly placed pass. Her maturity and composure allow her to stay focused in adversity, communicate with teammates, and step up as a leader when it matters most.

Being the oldest in a family of 11 has shaped Julia’s perspective and competitive spirit. She’s embraced the role of paving the way for her younger siblings, both on and off the court, and values the bond she shares with them. While heading to college will be bittersweet, she carries the lessons, support, and encouragement from home with her into this next chapter. Off the court, she enjoys time with family and friends, traveling, being outdoors, swimming, cooking, and relaxing with games, movies, or music.

Julia’s mix of size, shooting ability, and relentless energy will immediately translate to the college game. Her versatility allows her to be effective in multiple roles, and her knack for rebounding and finishing in traffic adds real value to any lineup. Coaches will benefit from her ability to impact the game in more ways than just scoring.

"Faith is at the heart of Julia’s game and life. Her faith in Jesus has been her number one source of strength, and she believes that, at the end of the day, we have an audience of One. She knows Jesus leads her through both the highs and lows, and she trusts that He is going before her as she moves into this next season. Proverbs 3:5- 6, her family’s verse, reminds her daily to trust the Lord and lean on Him as she faces the changes that come with transitioning to college basketball.

In the coming years, Julia has the potential to develop into a major contributor at Cumberland. As she strengthens her first step, expands her in-between game, and tightens her ball-handling under pressure, her offensive arsenal will grow even more dangerous. Add her leadership qualities, high work ethic, and competitive mindset, she is set to make an immediate impact and continue progressing throughout her college career. As Julia embarks on this new journey she carries the legacy of her family and continues to be lead the way and be the tone setter for her siblings coming behind her. Determined to be the start of a long line of success for a family destined to be well known in the basketball college world and potentially beyond for many years to come. Stay tuned.