(Sepulveda) Dempsey, Sonia
Inducted 2017
Hometown: Edinburg
High School: Edinburg High School
College: Baylor University
Best Known for: Athlete – Track
b. April 23, 1972
Sepulveda had an outstanding track career that included top honors at state meets and four years at the collegiate level.
Sepulveda established herself as one of the greatest middle-distance runners in the Valley at Edinburg High, capturing three state championships. With six state championship medals, Sepulveda bears the distinction as one of Texas; most successful female runners. She captured two gold medals at the UIL Class 5A State Track Meet in 1990 in the 800-meter run (2:12.7) and 1,600-meter run (4:58.50). She came back to win gold in the 1991 state meet in the 1,600-meter run (5:05.80). She also placed fourth in the state meet as a sophomore in the 800-meter run. She held a personal best time of 4:54.58 in 1991, and is one of only two Valley runners to break the five-minute barrier in the 1600. The time still stands as a Valley record.
Sepulveda continued her track career at Baylor University, where she earned all- Southwest Conference honors. She was a member of Baylor’s 4x800-meter relay team whose best time of 8:51.56 ranks second all-time indoors in Baylor track history. Her personal best in the 5K race at Baylor was 18:05.
