Kathy Newberry

Kathy Newberry is an American former long-distance runner and current coach, known for her success in cross country and road racing. A standout athlete at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she later competed professionally, representing the United States in international competitions like the IAAF World Cross Country Championships. Following her competitive career, she transitioned into coaching, notably at American University and George Washington University, and is part of a prominent family in American distance running.

Early life and education

Born in Williamsburg, Virginia, she showed early promise in athletics. She attended Lafayette High School, where she excelled in cross country and track, earning all-state honors. Her performances attracted the attention of major collegiate programs, leading her to accept a scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Competing for the North Carolina Tar Heels, she became a key contributor, earning All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors and helping her team to strong finishes at the NCAA Division I championships. She graduated with a degree in exercise and sport science, laying the foundation for her future career in coaching.

Running career

Her post-collegiate career focused on long-distance events on the road, track, and cross country circuits. She qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in both 2004 and 2008 in the 10,000 metres. A consistent performer on the national stage, she earned a spot on the U.S. team for the 2006 IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. She also found considerable success in major road races, securing victories at events like the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run and the U.S. 10K Road Championships. Throughout her career, she was a frequent competitor in events organized by USA Track & Field and was a member of the Reebok racing team.

Coaching and later work

After retiring from elite competition, she moved into coaching at the collegiate level. She served as an assistant coach for cross country and track and field at American University in Washington, D.C., working under head coach Matt Centrowitz. She later held a similar position at George Washington University, contributing to the development of the Atlantic 10 Conference program. Her coaching philosophy is informed by her own extensive competitive experience at the NCAA, national, and international levels. She has also been involved in community running initiatives and clinics in the Washington metropolitan area.

Personal life

She is married to renowned distance running coach and former Olympian Matt Centrowitz, whom she met while both were competing. The couple has two children, including Matthew Centrowitz Jr., the 2016 Olympic gold medalist in the 1500 metres. The family is deeply embedded in the fabric of American distance running, with her father-in-law being the noted runner Matt Centrowitz Sr.. They reside in the Washington, D.C. area, where she balances family life with her ongoing involvement in the sport through coaching and mentorship.

Achievements and legacy

Her athletic achievements include a national title at the U.S. 10K Road Championships and representing the United States at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships. She is remembered as a durable and versatile competitor who excelled across cross country, road, and track events. Her legacy extends beyond her own running, as she is a central figure in the Centrowitz family dynasty, which has profoundly impacted American middle-distance running. Through her coaching roles at American University and George Washington University, she continues to influence the next generation of athletes, passing on expertise gained from competing at the highest levels of the NCAA and for USA Track & Field. Category:American female long-distance runners Category:University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alumni Category:American track and field coaches