Katie IzzoSophomore year, Katie shattered her leg mid-race on Cal Poly's track team. Yet, she persevered and now is signed to run under a nationally recognized coach.
There are very few people who can say that they have gone from a potential career-ending injury to national-level elite athlete in the space of two years. Katie Izzo is one of the few. Sidelined by a devastating injury, she was and is the picture of mental consistency. Her ability to stay grounded, focused and unwavering is something evident in all aspects of her life. Katie is friendly and vivacious to all who meet her, but deep inside her lays the intensity and heart of a champion. Her strength is unfailing. In the past four years Katie has been a big west champion, one of Cal Poly’s top 10 all-time 5,000 meter runners and a NCAA nationals qualifier.
Off the track, Katie’s focus is just as evident, as she is extremely multi-dimensional. She has been a marketing and promotions intern for The SLO Blues Summer Collegiate Baseball Organization, is currently serving her community through marketing for a new local brewer’s festival to benefit charity, babysitting, going to AMA meetings and going to church and Bible study in her spare time. First and foremost, she is a student athlete, studying marketing in Cal Poly’s Orfalea College of Business, and she is set to graduate magna cum laude. Next, she will pursue a Master of Education degree in Recreation and Sport Management while running for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. Written by: Sara Vay Dyke, friend |