By Christopher O’Grady
As the defending national champion of the indoor weight throw, University of Louisville junior thrower D’Ana McCarty brings a pretty intimidating presence.
“At meets, girls are always like ‘Oh that’s the girl who won the national championship last year,'” said McCarty. “It gives people something to strive for.”
McCarty, who recently won her second consecutive weight throw national championship, attributes her success to her competitiveness and an inward-out philosophy that serves her well in an individual sport.
“I really have a drive to win,” said McCarty. “I will do every rep, go the extra mile, but I try not to focus on the other people. I get made fun of a lot for not knowing who else is at the meet.”
Throws coach Dale Cowper agreed, seeing the combination of McCarty’s genetic makeup and her competitiveness as keys to her success.
“That’s what sets her apart,” said Cowper. “She wins so many meets in round six, on the last throw.”
McCarty, who competes in the indoor weight throw, the outdoor hammer throw, and both the indoor and outdoor shot put, is the face of the women’s track and field program at U of L. Even on a team with fewer underclassmen than most, McCarty’s leadership holds great importance, a leadership style her coaches call quiet.
“D’Ana is quietly, positively motivated,” said head coach Ron Mann. “She keeps her athletics in perspective.”
Cowper sees McCarty’s willingness to offer advice to others as the trademark of her leadership.
“She is a great leader by example,” said Cowper. “She has a lot of wisdom and she’s always offering small tidbits to the other girls.”
McCarty came to U of L having never competed in the weight or hammer throw events. These are events Cowper said require more functional strength. Cowper also noted how much more athletic McCarty has become since she arrived. McCarty sees these gains as great teaching tools.
“I can always tell girls, like ‘I was there too; I was just like you are,'” said McCarty. “I just really try to help by encouraging them.”
The 2009-2010 weight throw national championships are McCarty’s favorite accomplishment in a career that already includes a school record, which she broke at this year’s indoor championships, and All-American status as well.
“It didn’t change how I compete, but it is a really nice title on your résumé,” said McCarty. “With a national championship, it’s the highest level you can get. And that will always be on the record books. Somebody can always beat my school record, but I will always be a national champion.”
The ceiling is still high for McCarty, with another chance to compete for a national championship at U of L next season. The task of becoming a three-time champion is within grasp, according to Cowper, who said McCarty benefits greatly from a competitive camaraderie with senior Jere’ Summers.
“Last year the only one who beat her was her teammate,” said Cowper. “They build off each other really well. I think we’re the only school to have two frontrunners in an event.”
McCarty’s throw of 22.76 meters earned her second consecutive championship by more than four feet over her closest competitor. Mann sees the far-reaching effect of the victory already.
“We as a coaching staff are so proud of D’Ana and the way she performs at the highest level of the NCAA field,” said Mann on UofLsports.com. “This is a historic moment for her and for our school.”
According to Mann, McCarty’s accomplishments and abilities have significantly helped the program. Mann and Cowper recently signed high profile thrower Patrice Gates from Carrollton, Ga. to next year’s freshman class.
“D’Ana gives great credibility to the program and for recruits,” said Mann. “She is an athlete at the highest level.”
