Age: 20 (Division 1 college student-athlete)
Athletic Identity: Division 1 Track & Field Runner (specializing in the 800m, nationally ranked in high school, scholarship athlete at Longwood University)
Gender Identity/Expression: Male
Race/Ethnicity: White, Italian
National Origin: United States of America
Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual
Relationships: Supportive boyfriend in a committed relationship with my girlfriend; close bonds with family, teammates, coaches, and friends
Mental/Physical Ability: Physically able, strong athletic performance, live with mental health challenges that have shaped resilience
Values/Mantra: “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift” – Steve Prefontaine
Community/Environment: Strong connection to supportive coaches and teammates at Longwood, value of individualized training, and a close-knit community

Identities

The identities that push me to grow and connect with others are the ones I value most. My athletic identity as a Division 1 runner has shaped nearly every part of who I am. It keeps me disciplined, driven, and constantly striving to improve. It also connects me with teammates who understand the grind, the sacrifices, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. My Italian heritage also plays a role in my sense of identity and connection. Family, tradition, and loyalty are all values that have shaped how I move through the world. It gives me pride in my roots and helps me see myself as part of something larger than just my own individual experiences. My mental health journey is another important piece. Living with challenges in this area has been tough, but it’s made me more resilient. It’s given me perspective on struggle, empathy for others, and the motivation to keep finding meaning in my relationships, my sport, and my life. While difficult, these challenges have pushed me to grow into a stronger, more purposeful version of myself.

Identities & Self Concept

Being male has shaped how I connect to others through competition, teamwork, and leadership. Athletics has given me a brotherhood of teammates who push me, support me, and inspire me to be better every day. These relationships have strengthened my self-esteem and helped me understand how much I matter in the lives of those around me. My Italian background adds another layer to how I see myself and connect with others. The cultural emphasis on family, food, and loyalty has helped shape my values, reminding me that relationships and connections matter just as much as individual achievements. My girlfriend has also played a major role in shaping my self-concept. Being in a loving, supportive relationship motivates me to be the best version of myself, not just for me but for her, too. Her encouragement helps me during challenges, and I try to give that same support back. My mental health struggles have tested my confidence, but they’ve also forced me to build tools and strategies that make me stronger. With support from my family, girlfriend, coaches, and friends, I’ve learned that my value doesn’t just come from my performance—it comes from who I am as a person. That realization has helped me balance my self-concept and find meaning beyond the track. My athletic identity ties directly into this. Competing at the Division 1 level has tested me in every way—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Training and racing have shown me my limits, but also that I can push past them. Running has become more than a sport; it’s a core part of how I see myself: someone who refuses to give less than his best.

Career & Identity

What have been some of my most meaningful projects or experiences in my life?

• Earning a Division 1 track and field scholarship and competing in the 800m.
• Overcoming setbacks while training on my own for two years before transferring to Longwood.
• Mentoring younger athletes and teammates by sharing training strategies and motivation.

What activities are so energizing to me that they make me lose track of time?

• Running, training, and analyzing race strategies.
• Coaching and giving advice to teammates.
• Watching professional track meets and studying performances.
• Spending time with my girlfriend and close friends.

How would my close family and friends describe strengths and skills?

• Disciplined and driven.
• Resilient, able to bounce back from challenges.
• Supportive and encouraging to others.
• Outgoing and passionate.

What do others ask my help for? What can I teach others?

• Advice on running, training, and pacing.
• Motivation and mental toughness strategies.
• General support and encouragement during stressful times.
• Tips on balancing athletics, school, and personal life.

Whom do I admire? Why?

• My parents: for their resilience, sacrifices, and ability to always keep moving forward.
• My girlfriend: for her support, open-mindedness, and ability to stay strong in adversity.
• My coach: for believing in me and creating a supportive, individualized training environment.
• Professional runners: for their dedication to excellence and pushing human limits.

What kind of impact do I want to have?

• Inspire athletes to push their limits and realize their potential.
• Build a culture of support and discipline where athletes feel valued.
• Show others that setbacks don’t define them—it’s how they respond that matters.

What job roles or careers most interest me now?

• College and professional track/cross-country coach.
• Possibly starting my own running club or training program in the future.

What is the coolest job I have ever heard of? Why is it so great?

Sports psychologist: because mental toughness is such a huge part of athletics, and helping athletes unlock that could be life-changing.

Olympic or professional coach: because you get to shape elite athletes and play a direct role in world-class performance.

My Job Factors Evaluation (1 = most important, 10 = least important):

1. Job Function (Will you find the work meaningful?)
2. Culture and Values (Mission, values, vision)
3. Learning/Growth Opportunities (Advancement opportunities, building skills)
4. Supervisory Relationship (How closely you work with your supervisor)
5. Risk/Security (Stable position/industry)
6. Time Commitment (Hours per week, weekends, after hours)
7. Compensation (Average pay, salary vs. hourly, benefits, etc.)
8. Organizational Size (What environment you’re best suited for)
9. Industry (Does the industry matter more than what the job entails)
10. Geography/Remote Work (Specific state, hybrid, remote, in-person, traveling)