After moving to Rockaway just last month, the Parisi Rockaway team is excited to announce the addition of Claire Incantalupo as the Assistant and soon-to-be head Program Director. Incantalupo, a 2019 graduate from Rowan University with a B.A. in Health and Exercise Science as well as a minor in Business Marketing will replace current Program Director, Vicky Ziolkowski in the next coming months as she focuses her attention training athletes in Sussex County.
Incantalupo was first introduced to the Parisi program through Ziolkowski as they have a strong coach to athlete relationship.
“I heard about this position through the current Program Director, Vicky, who has taught me a great deal and has been a great coach to me,” Incantalupo said.
Being a Sparta High School alum, she was a varsity Track & Field athlete for all four years and was a three-time national competitor. She earned All-Conference 1st Team Honors at both the high school and collegiate level. In the Spring of 2019, she had the opportunity to student coach with the Head Track & Field Coach at Rowan University.
Incantalupo garnered several awards while competing in both high school and college. Some notable achievements include Sparta High School 2014 Female Athlete of the Year and 2014 U.S. Army Reserves Scholar-Athlete. In college, she placed on first-team in her respective events every single season. You can view all of her awards here.
After training with the Parisi program throughout the majority of her time in high school, Incantalupo knew she found something she was passionate about.
“What I am most excited about is having the opportunity to work alongside the coaches who have shaped me into a stronger and more well-rounded athlete, as well as having the opportunity to train athletes with the same dedication and commitment to success that was provided to me during the years I trained here,” she said. “Coming to Parisi was something I looked forward to every day after school, it’s been five years since I’ve last trained here and I still feel the same way. I am excited to come to work every day. The staff here is super friendly, super welcoming, and it’s a great atmosphere.”
Owner Steve Leo is excited about the addition as Incantalupo has great experience not only with track and field athletes but all high school and college athletes that are looking to improve.
“Claire is a great addition to the team and I couldn’t think of a better person to take over as Program Director in the near future,” Leo said. “Since she has been an athlete with us for almost 8 years, Claire knows what it takes to produce successful high school and collegiate athletes.”
Incantalupo knows the program isn’t easy and is excited to develop athletes in Rockaway.
“The program here is tough, there are going to be days when the athletes struggle and will feel as though they are being pushed to their limits, but this facility is one that stresses the safety and well-being of the athletes first and foremost.”