Connecticut College Athletic Hall of Fame
Isabella Franz ‘17 made her mark as one of the most successful female runners in the history of Connecticut College women’s cross country and track and field.
A seven-time NCAA Championships qualifier across cross country (1), indoor track and field (3), and outdoor track and field (3), Franz has the most NCAA Championships appearances of any Conn female athlete. She ranks second in program history in the 800 meters, the 1,000 meters, and mile, while ranking third in the 1,500 meters.
Franz was a two-time All-NESCAC honoree in the 800 meters (2015, 2016) and added New England Division III titles in the 800 meters (2014) and 1,000 meters (2016). At the NCAA Championships, she competed in the 800 meters twice (10th and 12th place finishes), the 1,500 meters twice (9th and 19th), the mile (16th), and the distance medley relay (10th). In her lone appearance at the 2016 NCAA Cross Country Championships she placed 101st. She ended her career as a six-time All-New England Division III track and field honoree and a six-time USTFCCCA All-Region selection in track and field.
Franz graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Studies and Economics in 2017, before earning her master’s degree in Business Analytics at University of Colorado-Boulder. At Conn, she was the Vice President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, a House Senator for the Student Government Association, and a campus tour guide.
Franz spent two years as the assistant women’s cross country and track and field coach at Tufts University before moving to Colorado. While pursuing her master’s, she became an energy analyst at BrightLine Group, a technical support representative for STRAVA, and a volunteer for Guide Dogs for the Blind as a puppy raiser. Franz also has the fastest known times on the Highline Canal and Sanitas Loop, while also finishing inside the top-10 of the 2019 USATF National Trail Marathon Championship.
