By Eric Coburn ’18 and Kelley McLellan ’17
Sports Editor and Associate Sports Editor
Carly Muscaro recently won the 400-meter dash at the 2015 NCAA Indoor Championships by running the second-fastest time in Division II history (52.34). The junior from Ashland, Massachusetts is already a five time All-American, and was just named NE-10 Track Athlete of the Year. Muscaro runs the 60 meters, 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, 500 meters, 800 meters, the relay for 4×100, 4×400, and 4×800. Equally as impressive as the number of events she competes in, Muscaro has three New England All-Time Records, which includes any level of division. The Beacon sat down with Muscaro to discuss the journey that has gotten her to such an elite status in the Track and Field world.
When did you realize you could do something special with track and field?
It was something that built up. Probably after my freshman year I could see myself doing something really big with it.
What does it mean to you to be the first individual national champion in school history?
It is an honor. You get to go down in history. I think that is pretty cool and not many people get to say that they were the first in their school for anything, especially athletics.
What is one event in your life, whether that is on the track or off the track that led to this moment?
The moment that things started to turn for me was at New Englands last year when I ran 51.83. With that time I qualified for the 2016 Olympic Trials, which I am going to this summer. It was a huge accomplishment and a great confidence booster for me. I worked so hard to get to that moment and I have only worked harder after it.
You were about half a second away from the All-Time American record in the 500 meter, how does being that close effect you?
It is one of those things where I just got tangled with the other runners for a bit. I know I can get it easily it just has to be the right day.
What is the toughest obstacle that you have had to overcome on your path to this success?
I would say just the overall sacrifice. You can’t eat whatever you want, you can’t go out or party and have the normal college life. But it is worth it.
Do you see yourself as a leader and what impact does that have on you?
I was honored to be picked as a captain, being only a junior. Because of my work ethic I hope to be looked up to because I think it is important and I want to lead the team to success as a whole.
What is the most important lesson that track has taught you?
All the sacrifice and hard work is absolutely worth it. It is all going to be worth it at some point and you have to get through the day to day to get what you want.
Having already accomplished almost everything there is to accomplish, what do you want accomplish before the end of next year?
I want to win the outdoor national championship. This spring I want to win both the 200 and 400 meter events because not many people have done that. And I absolutely want to repeat and beat the records. I want to go down in Division II history.
Who is the one person that has had the most impact on who you are today?
My dad has had the most impact on who I am today. My dad taught me how to be a great athlete and a great person. He gives me so much advice and he has made me who I am today. Without my dad I wouldn’t be where I am today, I know that for sure.
If you could be the star in one TV show what would that be?
I would love to be on Parks and Recreation. Chris Pratt is my favorite. It would be cool to work with him.
If you were stranded on an island and could only bring four things, what would they be?
Running shoes, my girlfriend, an iPod, and the President because they’re always having people look for him so we could get found faster.
What are some of your pre-meet rituals?
I always will listen to music. I always have to listen to “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins. I love listening to rock and rap as well.
What are some outside activities at Merrimack that you do besides track?
I am an RA, which is good for me because it is a change of pace. It is good to have something outside of your athletic life.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is beating the smartest kid in my fourth grade class playing a geography trivia game.
If you had to survive off of one food for the rest of your life what would it be?
It would either be cheeseburgers with lettuce and tomatoes or a turkey ham sub with lettuce and tomatoes. I go to this sub place and they automatically know my order right when I walk in.
If you had to describe yourself in one word to a complete stranger what would it be and why?
Passionate. I am passionate about so many things like track, music and learning.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself married and retired from professional running while being a Massachusetts state trooper.
