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GOING PRO: NCAA Standouts James Dunne, Laura Pellicoro, Justin O'Toole & Rynard Swanepoel Turn Pro
- Aimee Mackenzie
- 5 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Written by Aimee Mackenzie, edits & additional commentary via Garrett Zatlin
Rynard Swanepoel (Wake Forest)
Wake Forest’s Rynard Swanepoel has signed a professional contract with Atlanta Track Club. The signing was first announced last week on Instagram.
The South African middle distance runner has made three appearances on the national stage on the track during his time in the NCAA. Swanepoel has twice contested the 800 meters on the national stage and once toed the line for the DMR at the NCAA Championships.
The South Africa native further cemented himself in Wake Forest's program history after helping the Demon Deacons to the NCAA #4 all-time mark of 9:17.17 in the DMR. The now-former Wake Forest runner holds an impressive personal best of 1:45.28 over 800 meters, a school record time.
During his time in the NCAA, Swanepoel's marks over 800 meters have ranked him in the top-five for his country, South Africa, over the last three years.
In a statement regarding his signing, Swanepoel expressed his elation to be apart of Atlanta Track Club...
“I’m excited to train with a dedicated group that pushes each other every day, grow as a professional athlete, and live a balanced lifestyle while representing the incredible running community in Atlanta.”
Justin O'Toole (Washington / Columbia)
Canadian Justin O’Toole is heading to Atlanta Track Club to further pursue his professional racing endeavors. The Columbia University and University of Washington alum recorded a personal best of 1:44.42 for 800 meters last August in Pfungstadt, Germany.
Earlier this year, O'Toole donned the red and white colors for the first time, representing Canada at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
O’Toole experienced a breakthrough season late in the summer, securing silver over 800 meters at the Canadian Championships in August. At the 2025 NCAA Indoor Championships, the former Husky placed 6th over 800 meters to earn All-American honors.
The half-mile specialist holds two school records in the outdoor 800 meters (1:44.42) and the indoor 600 meters (1:16.12). O’Toole is now the third former Washington runner to join Atlanta Track Club.
Regarding his signing, O'Toole stated...
“I chose Atlanta Track Club Elite for the people…The organization has taken great care to build the team around people with strong values and clear vision. I knew my aspirations and well-being would be in good hands. I’m looking forward to helping the track club build a legacy of success on the highest level of the sport.”
Both recent Atlanta Track Club Elite additions, O'Toole and Rynard Swanepoel, have been signed through the 2026-2027 seasons.
Laura Pellicoro (Portland)
The 2023 World University Games champion over 800 meters and 1500 meters, Laura Pellicoro has signed a professional contract with Brooks Beasts Track Club. The Italian distance ace joins former University of Portland teammate, Matt Strangio, upon signing with Brooks.
During her collegiate career as a Pilot, Pellicoro was a 10-time national meet qualifier across all three seasons of competition. She was also a 2025 outdoor 800-meter All-American and a two-time NCAA cross country All-American as well.
Last winter, the University Portland alum ran an NCAA #1 all-time indoor mark of 2:37.04 for 1000 meters (all-conditions) and an NCAA #8 all-time indoor mark of 4:25.60 in the mile (all-conditions). Both times were recorded at the University of Washington's "The Dempsey" facility, which features an oversized track.
Pellicoro was the first-ever University of Portland athlete named to The Bowerman Watch List in 2025. At the 2022 NCAA XC Championships, Pellicoro snagged a 25th place All-American honor and, two years later, returned to her All-American ways with a 28th place finish at the 2024 NCAA XC Championships.
The dynamic Italian distance runner holds personal bests of 2:00.84 (800), 4:08.03 (1500), 4:25.60 (mile) and 8:53.32 (3k).
Regarding her pro signing, Laura Pellicoro stated...
“I couldn’t be happier to become part of a team and a brand that truly believes in its athletes and pushes our sport forward. Being one of the Beasts and surrounded by teammates who lift each other up and go after bold goals every day is a blessing. I’m looking forward to work toward the 2028 Olympics under coach Danny and beginning this new journey.”
Danny Mackey, the Head Coach of Brooks Beasts Track Club, remarked...
“We were fortunate to watch Laura race in person a few times last year. And from watching her race to getting to know her during recruiting process it became evident she is a special talent and person. We are very excited Laura chose the Brooks Beasts for her professional career and look forward to helping her achieve her big time goals.”
James Dunne (Georgetown / Adams State)
James Dunne has gone pro with New Balance Manchester. He will train under the guidance of two-time Olympian, Helen Clitheroe, in England.
The Grizzly and Hoya alum holds personal bests of 2:22.52 (1k), 1:48.73 (800), 3:35.17 (1500), 3:57.26 (mile) and 7:52.62 (3k). The now-former Georgetown graduate student was the anchor leg of the Hoyas' DMR lineup at the NCAA Indoor Championships last March which placed 12th overall.
Before transferring to Georgetown, Dunne had climbed the Division Two ranks at Adams State.
There, he recorded an All-American honor with a 4th place finish in the mile at the 2024 NCAA D2 Indoor Championships. He also made numerous appearances at separate D2 national meets across all three seasons of competition.
Dunne, upon announcing his signing, said...
“They say you’re only as strong as the people around you, and I’m grateful to have joined an incredible group…Growth comes from stepping into the unknown, and I’m excited to begin this next chapter.”