Thrower Romero Heads to University in New Mexico

Sophomore track and field thrower Idalys Romero, a graduate of North Salinas High School, will transfer this fall to study and compete at the University of the Southwest in Hobbs, N.M.

In her first year with the Hartnell squad, Romero contributed to the team’s overall success in winning its first Northern California Championship in two decades. She also had major contributions during her sophomore year as the Panthers claimed the Northern California Championship title for the second straight year.

Romero plans to pursue a business major as she also works to contribute to the Mustangs team, which won a conference championship in April.

Hartnell Head Track and Field Coach Chris Zepeda said her decision to sign as a transfer to Southwest will have lifelong benefits.

“I think she’ll think of this day as really monumental in her progress as a person, as a student, as a thrower and obviously whatever she is going to do in her lifetime beyond throwing,” Zepeda said at Romero’s signing event on July 16.

She said Hartnell coaches have stepped up to help her succeed.

“That's the thing about Hartnell,” Romero said. “We have coaches out here that want to see you succeed. You just need to give them the chance to help you out.”

Zepeda said he anticipates hearing news of her continued success in the future.

“Anytime we get to send our Hartnell athletes out there anywhere, I think those places get that much better,” he said. “We always hear good things back, and I think we're going to hear really good things about Idalys.”