Player Profile: Carlene Idone
Idone at the starting blocks for the 200m at University of Maryland’s Terrapin Invitational.
Image courtesy of Will Stumme Photos
By Regina Vahey
Sophomore nursing major Carlene Idone has made strides both on and off the track during her time at Catholic University. Last year, Idone was one of five student athletes recognized on the Landmark Conference Winter All-Sportsmanship Team which acknowledges students who demonstrate the ideals of sportsmanship.
Idone has been running track for about ten years, so it was natural that track and field was one of the major decision factors when she was picking a college. Idone’s decision came down to the ability to pursue nursing while also running track. Idone also appreciates Catholic U’s tight-knit community and the family-like environment of the track team.
“Even though there are almost 70 people on the team, I know everyone’s name and can have a conversation with all of them,” said Idone.
At a track meet, Idone can be spotted running the 60m, 100m, 200m, 4×100, and the 4×200 relay. One of her favorite parts of a meet is when the whole team crowds around the track and cheers for the 4×400 relay runners. Specifically, one of Idone’s fondest memories was during the 2019 Landmark Conference Outdoor Championship.
“It was pouring rain, and we had the men’s and women’s 4×400 meter relays left, so we all went outside and were cheering,” Idone remembered. “The men had an intense race, and we were all surrounding the track and screaming in the rain. The men ended up winning the 4×400, and cheering for them up on the podium is one of my favorite memories.”
There are many lessons that Idone has learned during her time on the team. She has found ways to apply her work ethic to all situations in her life. Staying motivated, determined, and confident in her daily life are reinforced by the challenges presented to her on the track. Balancing the rigorous nursing curriculum with an intense track schedule is also no easy feat, but Idone finds it easier to manage her time in-season.
“Balancing school and sports can be hard, but track practices and meets keep me on a schedule and focused on what I have to do,” Idone said.
The track and field team has had an impressive season so far this year. Several people have broken multiple school records, and Idone hopes the team can keep up the momentum as it moves into the outdoor season.
The Staten Island-native has played an integral role on the track team as well as within the university community. When Idone is not running at practice or running between classes, she is involved in Active Minds, a student organization whose goal is to destigmatize issues surrounding mental health, and she sits as the Vice President of Operation Smile, an international medical charity that provides safe, well-timed surgery to patients with cleft lip and palate conditions. Idone is volunteering in Texas with Habitat for Humanity over spring break. She also hopes to study abroad in Ireland in the summer. Although she is only finishing up her second year, Idone has already started thinking about her aspirations after she graduates.
“I hope to work as a nurse in developing countries outside of the U.S., or places like Puerto Rico that have struggled before,” said Idone.
Idone’s next race is the Larry Sharpe Memorial Invitational at Hagerstown Community College on February 16.
