Carroll student Frank DiLeonardi, 36, is an example of how learning is for a lifetime and how life transformations can begin with a community college education. A non-traditional student, he has worked as an electrician and soccer coach in the past, and is now embarking on his true passion: a career in Fitness and Exercise Science. Most appreciatively, he credits Carroll for helping him to define the path to fulfilling his professional dream.

The future did not always have a clear direction for DiLeonardi. A 1998 graduate of Parkville High School in Baltimore County, he completed the necessary training to become a licensed electrician while working during the day and going to school at night in Baltimore County.

About two years ago, DiLeonardi experienced some life-changing losses. He lost his mother who died from melanoma and then, dealt with another unexpected event when he lost his job. Yet through these difficult experiences, he persevered and learned some life lessons. First, he learned to aggressively identify and pursue his passion. Then, he discovered that it is never too late to learn a new skill. With ambition and hard work, he found the confidence that he could accomplish a change in his life.

Through all the personal and professional trials, a childhood fascination with soccer remained with him as he grew into adulthood. He said that his mother strongly encouraged him to pursue the sport, a sport he grew to master through self-confidence and determination. After her death, DiLeonardi thought long and hard about what the next steps would be in his life. Would he apply to nursing school, a way to help others cope — like his mother’s end-term care nurse did? Would he work with children to raise their confidence in teamwork and athletics? The possibilities seemed endless, but he knew that he wanted to have a career that would make a difference to others. He said his wife was a supportive, guiding force during this time of self-realization.

DiLeonardi combined his ability to nurture others with his early childhood sports background when he decided to make fitness a way of life. DiLeonardi is now assistant soccer coach at McDaniel College. He also works with an Olympic Development program that sponsors a travel soccer team for youths age 15 and under. He also owns a company, Level 5, which provides soccer instruction to young children in child care centers. “I use soccer as a tool to build coordination, confidence and social skills,” he said.

With all the balls he has to juggle in his personal and professional life, DiLeonardi said his most challenging, yet rewarding activity is being a current student at Carroll. After taking “Nutrition and Weight Management,” “Introduction to Exercise Science,” and “Women’s Health” at Carroll, DiLeonardi said that his path became crystal-clear.

“I decided I want to obtain an associate degree in Exercise Science (he has four courses left to complete) and then transfer to McDaniel’s Exercise Science and Physical Education program,” he said, while proud to report that he made the Deans’ list in the spring semester at Carroll.

“I am a non-traditional student, and when I enter a classroom, it is obvious to myself and others that I am not a recent high school graduate,” said DiLeonardi. “It takes me time to put that aside when I start a class. Yet the faculty at Carroll are very supportive and helped me to realize that it is never too late to learn. Their personal attention has kept me engaged, their availability and follow-up make me feel successful, and the academic program has truly shaped my character, all while allowing me to learn from my mistakes.”

Sharon Brunner, assistant professor for the Department of Health, Fitness and Exercise Science, is impressed with the way DiLeonardi has navigated through his career and educational choices in life. “Frank has taken all the necessary steps to transition from his first career, which he entered in a traditional manner because opportunity presented itself, to helping others create a healthy lifestyle.”

“Frank is a perfect example of a person with a passion for sports and fitness, which he established early in life, that is now turning into a career in Exercise Science. He really represents the community part of our mission here at Carroll. Yes, we have many traditional students who pursue an education immediately after high school. However, we also have students like Frank in our community that are showing how they too can be quite successful at a different point in life. His story will hopefully inspire others to ask “why not me?” instead of “why me?” said Brunner.

For more information about Health, Fitness and Exercise Science programs at Carroll, contact Brunner at 410-386-8142.


Frank DiLeonardi works with his youth soccer team.

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