‘Biggest Loser’ trainer speaks at Hofstra

Cara Castronuova, an Elmont native and 2004 graduate of Hofstra University, returned to Hofstra on Sept. 3 to speak to freshmen about healthy living, overcoming obstacles and making the most of college life. As a two-time New York Golden Gloves winner and trainer on the NBC reality show “The Biggest Loser,” Castronuova knows that success requires hard work.

The event was part of Hofstra’s annual Welcome Week, which consists of a variety of academic programs, trips, guest speakers, social and educational activities.

“It means a lot to me to meet students and give them strategies for fulfilling their potential because I was in their place once,” Castronuova said. “With all the changes occurring for freshman, fitness and exercise can help you adapt and keep you physically and mentally strong.”

Castronuova shared her difficult life story with students. Her father, who fought obesity and introduced her to boxing when she was 5 years old, died when she was a teenager. Later, her mother died in a car accident, leaving her to care for her three younger brothers and aunt.

Before speaking to students, Castronuova served as a judge for “Hofstra’s Got Talent,” a student talent show held at the John Cranford Adams Playhouse. After, she led students on a half-mile walk to the Hofstra Fitness Center, where she demonstrated boxing basics.

Castronuova placed second at the 2004 Golden Gloves competition, and won her first Golden Gloves Championship at Madison Square Garden in 2005. She earned the ranking of second in the nation among women by USA Boxing, and went on to place in national tournaments and win numerous titles, including the New York Amateur Boxing Championship and the Empire State Games, before winning another Golden Gloves title in 2006.