TOWSON, Md. -- Junior Michelle Donadio has regretfully decided that this spring is her final season in a Tiger uniform, bringing to an 
early close a sterling varsity running career that contributed much to the success of Towson's cross country and track teams.
It's a decision she had to make.
Michelle's varsity career at Towson isn't ending because of an injury, although she's had to work through her share of stress fractures and sprains while running from late August through early May for three years competing in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track. That's nine months running 5K's, 6K's, half-miles, miles, 3,000 meters and whatever other event she could sneak into.
She's retiring early to pursue goals of earning a degree in Medicinal Chemistry before completing a Doctor of Pharmacy. The program calls for three years of undergraduate work at Towson. This fall she'll transfer to the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy where she'll complete the co-op program. She'll finish in 2013.
“It's hard because I really love to run,” said Michelle. “I never did anything athletic until the 9th grade in high school. That's when I started running and competing.”
By her senior year at Franklin H.S. Michelle had developed into one of the metropolitan area's premier runners. In 2005 she was named Baltimore County Cross Country Runner of the Year. The Baltimore Sun also selected her as its Indoor Track Runner of the Year.
Although running has been very important to her, she has other passions, i.e. chemistry and art. Michelle is carrying a perfect 4.0 grade point average as a chemistry major. She's also a successful artist. She won first place at an international show held at the Baltimore Convention Center. She is the "artist in residence" at the Wolfhaven Studio in Woodensburg, Md.
When she was considering colleges, the choice boiled down to Towson and the Maryland Institute, College of Art. At the time her mother was battling cancer, which is now in remission. Art school finished second in the race.
“I've always had an interest in chemistry and herbal remedies,” Michelle said. “I thought about teaching chemistry too and Towson, of course, would give me both. My education would be more rounded at Towson. And, I could run while in college.”
So how fast can a 4.0 chemistry major run?
On the cross country trails you need two hands to count the number of her top10 finishes. In 2006 she was named Colonial Athletic Association Rookie of the Week for placing second in the Towson Invitational. She covered the 5K route in 18:51.37. That was one of just two sub 19-minute 5K's run by the Tigers that year and only two seconds off the best time for a Towson runner that fall.
On the indoor circuit she has the 5th fastest mile in program history at 5:08.44. She ranks among Towson's top 10 in the 1,000 meter run (3:05.23) and the 3,000 meter run (10:42.11). Outdoors she owns the third fastest time in the 1500 meter run (4:42.31) and the third best clocking in the 5000 meter run (18:08.15).
"Michelle is one of the most driven athletes I have coached," said Tiger head coach Roger Erricker. "I never have to ask more from her than she asks from herself. My biggest challenge with Michelle is to make sure she doesn't do too much. I honestly think she would be the happiest if I let her run every event at a track meet."
Over the next several years Michelle, who demands perfection of herself in everything she attempts, will pour a like amount of energy into reaching her goal.
“I'd like to concentrate in oncological research,” Michelle said. “I want to work on developing chemotherapy drugs.”
Michelle is delighted to have had the opportunity to wear a Tiger uniform and compete for the University in cross country and track.
To say the least, the Tigers have been delighted to have her.
