Last updated on: January 23, 2025

AnnMaria DeMars is a name so many people know because she is the mother of the famous UFC Champion, Ronda Rousey. However, AnnMaria has a great life of her own. She is not only a mom but also a world judo champion, entrepreneur, and leader in education. Let’s learn more about AnnMaria and her achievements and her life.

Quick Facts About AnnMaria DeMars

Early Life and Education

AnnMaria DeMars was born on August 15, 1958, at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. She had a huge interest in sports and started judo training at the age of 12. AnnMaria’s love towards judo grew more, and when she turned 16, she had already won a competition at the USJA Junior Nationals.

AnnMaria was equally passionate about education. She graduated with a degree in business from Washington University in St. Louis in 1978. Then, she followed up with an MBA from the University of Minnesota in 1980. However, AnnMaria did not stop there. She furthered her education and received a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of California, Riverside.

Judogi Achievements

AnnMaria’s judo career is simply remarkable. She became the first American woman to win a gold medal at the World Judo Championships in 1984. She was competing in the -56 kg weight class. This was an important milestone for women’s sports in the United States and showcased AnnMaria’s dedication and skill.

In addition to her own success, AnnMaria helped coach her daughter, Ronda Rousey, to success in judo. Ronda went on to win a bronze medal at the Olympics and later became a UFC champion. AnnMaria’s coaching was a significant factor in Ronda’s journey to greatness.

Family Life and Personal Challenges

It hasn’t been an easy life for AnnMaria. In 1995, her husband Ronald Rousey succumbed to a grave injury. The traumatic loss had devastated AnnMaria and her family. Though faced with these trials and hardships, AnnMaria stood firm for her daughters and raised them with love and care.

AnnMaria has four daughters. The most popular one, of course, is Ronda Rousey. But she also has other daughters who have achieved great things in their own right. One of them, María Burns Ortiz, is an award-winning sports journalist and author. AnnMaria’s family, though touched by tragedy, is known for its strength and determination.

Professional Career and Entrepreneurship

AnnMaria is a judo champion, but that’s not all. She is also an entrepreneurial educator. She founded and became the CEO of 7 Generation Games, which creates educational video games to teach math to struggling students. Her work has been praised for creativity and positive impacts on education.

AnnMaria was included in Forbes magazine’s list of “40 Women to Watch Over 40” for education and technology work in 2013. She was further inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2016, having outstanding contributions towards sports and education.

READ ALSO: Ronda Rousey Net worth, Age, Husband, Family, Facts & More

Recent Activities and Accolades

AnnMaria continues making a difference. In April 2022, she was appointed to the California State Athletic Commission by Governor Gavin Newsom, where she works to shape the policies for the combat sports athletes in California including judo, MMA, and boxing.

AnnMaria has won various awards in the fields of education, sports, and her community for her contributions. She is awarded not only because of her achievement but also due to her great and supportive personality.

Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com