Heather Nicolosi Continues To Excel In Cross Country Career
University of Tampa cross-country runner Heather Nicolosi doesn't have the standard collegiate running experience. Unlike most athletes who build up their miles and experience during their college years, Nicolosi has had to battle and overcome numerous injuries. Entering her fifth year as a redshirt senior, Nicolosi is healthy and in the shape needed for a top five finish at nationals.
The best way to understand the talent that this runner obtains is to look back at her high school career at Seminole High School. Both Heather and her older brother Tony Nicolosi attracted UT coach Jarrett Slaven her junior season.
After finishing fifth in the entire state in cross-country in the fall, Heather followed up in the spring with a fourth place finish in the state meet in the two mile. Even more impressive than the fact she did this as a junior, was that she ran her spring track season with a broken foot.
The Seminole, Fla., native was unaware of the injury that she was running on, and the results set her back substantially. In addition to the broken foot, Nicolosi had to sit out her entire senior year due to multiple stress fractures in her foot and femur. This did not stop the interest of Coach Slaven though, as the UT coaches still wanted Nicolosi despite her injuries.
The education major began her time with the Spartans in fall of 2007. Unfortunately though, a second stress fracture in her femur sidelined her for an additional year, something not easy to deal with for a committed runner.
"I still went to practice every day during cross country season," explains Nicolosi on her freshman year. "I sat, watched practice, and then went to the pool."
This was extremely difficult for Nicolosi, where running is such a big part of her life. The injury plagued year even caused herself to debate dropping out of school. The thought of finally being able to run her sophomore year motivated her to stay. Nicolosi acknowledges the importance of this decision, as she admits she most likely would not return to school if she had left.
The effects of not having raced in two years forced Nicolosi to take it easy and maintain low mileage while getting back into running. Although she wasn't personally satisfied with her second and third years on the team, Nicolosi still finished third place overall at the Sunshine State Conference Championships both years.
Her fourth year at UT was when Nicolosi finally felt like she was back. Running 65 miles in six days every week, Nicolosi finished a great season by being named All-American after a 34th place finish at nationals.
She also was named the 2010 SSC and South Region runner of the year. "When I realized how well I did during cross country, I knew I wanted to come back for a fifth year," admits Nicolosi.
As always, the UT Women's Cross-country team looks strong this season, ranked at No. 13 by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. On a personal level, Nicolosi's main goal for the season is to medal at nationals, requiring a top 15 finish.
"Last year I should have finished in the top five," admits Nicolosi. "I didn't race well that day. A top five finish this year is possible," she added.
Considering the injuries that plagued the early collegiate career of Nicolosi, her comeback has been very impressive. Not many runners can be out of the sport for two years, only to come back and be on the National radar. It should be a fun season to watch Nicolosi, as well as all the UT cross country runners.
With a full time internship in place for the spring, Nicolosi admits that she will have to concentrate on school. As for right now though, all focus is on the upcoming season, and the date for Nationals, set for November 19th in Spokane, Wash.
Written by Mike Leone