Michelle Duffy of Levittown was recently named head coach for the Blue Angels’ cross country program at the College of New Rochelle.
“We are very pleased to have a coach with Michelle’s pedigree take the reins of our cross country program,” said Athletics Director Harold Crocker. “Her success athletically and academically, as well as her ability to mentor and guide young women, makes her the ideal coach for the Blue Angels.”
Duffy comes to New Rochelle following a successful stint at MacArthur High School and Foundation Running Camps, where she worked in a leadership role with runners of all skill levels and experience. She helped lead MacArthur HS to runner-up Divisional finish, and coached numerous All-County honorees. Each athlete she coaches achieved personal bests in her first season at MacArthur. At Foundation Running Camps, she mentored the Elite Girls campers, which included All-State, All-American, State Champion, and County Champion runners.
A decorated collegiate runner, Duffy overcame a nearly career-ending injury her freshman year to graduate as a multi-year letter-winner and four-year captain for the cross country and track and field teams at St. John’s University. Attending the NCAA Division I institution on a full athletic scholarship, her accolades on the track included: six-time All-Metropolitan, three-time All-Big East and two-time All-ECAC, and three-time Metropolitan champion in the 4×800 meter relay. For cross country, Duffy was the 2013 St. John’s Uni Cross Country MVP Award recipient and was named the 2011 Dr. Peter Vitulli Award- for the student-athlete who demonstrates the most courage, spirit, and self-sacrifice for St. John’s University.
Academically, she was a five-time Big East All-Academic selection, was a member of five USTFCCCA Academic All-American teams, and was the recipient of the Dr. Pisani Award, given to a student-athlete who maintained a grade point average above 3.0 for seven consecutive semesters.
— Submitted by the College of New Rochelle
