Elaina and Claudia Cancello do everything together. They run together, hang out together, and recently have decided to attend college together. The twins from Mitchell High School will continue their running career at the University of Tampa. The Cancello's knew they wanted to be a part of the Spartan family the moment they met the team and visited the school. Elaina says the experience was great and their bond with Coach Slaven really helped solidify their choice.
"Getting to know Coach Slaven also had a great influence on our decision because he made us feel so welcome and showed a great interest in us. Knowing that the class sizes smaller and similar to the size of a high school class size was also a determining factor because it better fits our personalities and will help us to excel more in our academics. We are very excited to start our running careers at the University of Tampa."
The twins considered other schools such as St. Leo University, USF, and Pasco-Hernando Community College. They say all the coaches were very nice along the process and it was hard to make that final decision. Another thing UT has going for it was its proximity to New Port Richey. When Elaina and Claudia were considering a college they were looking to stay close to home because of their strong relationship with their family. The school is only forty-five minutes away and offers them the opportunity to be close enough to visit, but far enough away to have their own independence. Elaina says it is great she can spend the next four years with her sister and best friend by her side.
"Attending school together was important to Claudia and I and we are grateful that the University of Tampa was interested in not one but two Cancello's. Not everyone gets to go to college with their sister, but Claudia and I are so grateful that we get to share another great adventure and part of our life together. It is also a bonus that we will be rooming together and don't have to worry about any crazy new roommates."
The two have been training together since they were kids and know how to compliment each other's strength and weaknesses. Elaina says the two work together to push each and pick one another and no day is a bad day when you are training with your sister. She adds that the duo will bring their "A" game to the Tampa campus day in and day out.
"The University of Tampa will be getting two dedicated hard working runners who strive to better themselves each and every day. We love to run and look forward to training hard and being a part of the University of Tampa's cross country and track team."