Cross Country

Friday Focus with Isabella Fortunato

TOWSON, Md. – Every Friday, the Landmark Conference spotlights one of our standout student-athletes in the Friday Focus series. This week’s feature highlights Isabella Fortunato, a sophomore on the Drew University women’s cross country team. From Friendsgiving traditions to her trademark cup of tea, Isabella shares what makes her experience on and off the course unforgettable.

Early bird or night owl?
Forced to be an early bird for morning practice, but definitely more of a night owl when it comes to studying and getting school work done.

Favorite team tradition?
Friendsgiving! Around the time of our Regional meet, we all go to a teammate's house to have dinner, and it is such a nice way to round out the season as a team and get some last minute team bonding in before the end of the season!

If you could have dinner with any athlete, who would it be?
Anna Hall! She is an American Heptathlon competitor who took first at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. She is an amazing athlete who had to work hard to make it to the top of the podium, and her story is beyond inspiring.

What motivates you when training gets tough?
Knowing that it will pay off! Over the span of my running career, the most satisfying thing about the sport to me is seeing my final time get lower and lower with each race. Not only did I get faster that day, but so did my team.

One thing you always pack in your gear bag?
Something that is not technically in my bag, but I always have with me is a cup of hot tea. All the girls on the team will vouch for me when I say that I am very passionate about my tea, and it has definitely become a trademark for me.

Funniest teammate?
If you ask Coach Robinson....I'm the Captain of Fun! But if you ask me, Matthew James Ellis.

Best advice you’ve gotten from a coach?
I have had a lot of coaches throughout my athletic career, all of whom have taught me many different and memorable lessons. Above all the advice I have gotten, the best thing one of my coaches ever did was believe in me and allow me to run. Having someone believe in me allowed me to go just that much faster.

If you weren’t running, what would you play?
All through middle school and high school, I played lacrosse, and as a freshman in college, I competed on the Drew Women's Lacrosse team! I love the sport and would 100% be on the lacrosse field if I were not running!

Favorite post-practice snack?
Apple sauce! It is the easiest thing to buy in bulk and keep in my dorm room. The best apple sauce is any cinnamon flavored kind.

First concert or live show you went to?
I have never been to a concert or live show, but if I could go to one, it would be for The Lumineers, Lorde, or Noah Kahan.

Favorite local restaurant near campus?
Romanelli's! Our team goes there a lot for team pizza dinners, and sometimes, with a little extra convincing, Coach Robinson takes the team there after a meet!

Favorite sport to watch (besides your own)?
I love watching both college basketball and professional hockey! I grew up going to basketball and hockey games with my family, and those are some of my favorite memories!

One thing on your bucket list?
I have traveled to a lot of places, but one thing I never got to do was summit Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. I went to the park with my family when I was younger, and we were not able to get a permit in time. It has been on my bucket list ever since!