MILTON, Mass. – Curry College Athletics has announced the implementation of the Summer Spotlight series, which will feature profiles of returning student-athletes and coaches across the Colonels' 14 NCAA Division III programs.
We continue the series with Darlene Gaudet, the Head Coach of our women's cross country program:
Hometown: Londonderry, N.H.
Where did you go to college? Providence College
How many years have you been at Curry? Two
What was your path to end up at Curry? After completing my BS in Biochemistry, I realized my true passion was in exercise science and athletics. I pursued a master's degree in Exercise and Sport Science and joined the coaching world as an Assistant Distance Coach for Merrimack College. After finishing my master's degree, I was really looking for a small school that had a community feel and a cross country program that I could help build and grow.
What do you love about working at Curry? I love the community feel at Curry and the passion of faculty and staff to continually improve our school.
What are some of your hobbies outside of the office? I'm a runner and triathlete. I also love paddle boarding and baking.
How do you enhance the student-athlete experience for your team and/or department? I like to create an environment where everyone feels like they belong and have a voice on the team.
What do you look for a student-athlete when recruiting? I look for athletes that are hardworking and willing to commit to the team. I value student-athletes that are willing to learn and grow as both an athlete and as an individual.
How have you stayed in contact with your team and recruits during the pandemic? We have been having virtual zoom practices and we communicate daily on our team's GroupMe.
Has the pandemic affected your recruiting effort? If so, please explain? I miss being able to have prospective athletes come for campus and overnight visits. We are making the best of it and are communicating in other ways.
What have you personally been doing during the pandemic? I work full-time as a Research Assistant for Neurosurgery at Rhode Island Hospital. I have also been taking this time to go paddle boarding and explore new running trails.
What is the first thing you are going to do when allowed back on campus? Go running with my athletes!
Do you have any major coaching influences? My high school coaches Ed Burgess and Suzanne Johnson had a large impact on my running and coaching career. They made every athlete feel like they can accomplish anything.
What is your favorite about coaching? Is it the teaching, being on your playing surface, or interacting with student-athletes? I love interacting with students and helping them accomplish their own individual goals.
How would you categorize/describe your coaching style/philosophy? I like to empower my athletes and encourage them that anything is possible with hard work and determination. I enjoy helping my athletes achieve their own individual goals whether that's completing a 5K, getting a new PR, or running injury-free.
Favorites
Favorite athletes: Steve Prefontaine, Usain Bolt, and Desiree Linden
Favorite sports team: Indianapolis Colts
Favorite movie/tv show: Cutthroat Kitchen
Favorite memory at Curry: When I arrived for my first practice at Curry, my team had all arrived early and already started doing the warm-up drills that I had sent over the summer. I was so proud for their commitment and accountability.
Favorite food: Ice cream
Favorite vacation spot: Disney World
Favorite spot on campus: Our campus running trail
Favorite quote/motto: "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift" - Steve Prefontaine
Check out our previous Summer Spotlights:
Allie Wysocki - Women's Lacrosse
Thomas Agliata - Football
Jocelyn Dimond - Softball, Women's Soccer
Tarek Paranica - Men's Ice Hockey
Rebecca Johnson - Women's Volleyball
Richard Silva - Men's Soccer
Kelsie Rainone - Women's Cross Country
Michael Ashley - Men's Basketball
Maddie Wilson - Women's Soccer
Samrin LaPrise - Men's Lacrosse
Jordan Perzan - Softball
Garrett Fosher - Baseball
Samantha Borges - Women's Soccer
Melvin Wells - Football
Alex Chase - Softball
Daniel Coughlin - Baseball
Derek Degeis - Football
Brigida Palatino - Women's Soccer Head Coach/Senior Woman Administrator
Joe Busacca - Men's Basketball Head Coach
Faith Herity - Women's Volleyball
Brendon Kelley - Baseball
Keep an eye on curryathletics.com for more Summer Spotlights!
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