When Josue Le Cadre steps onto the track, he brings with him a lifetime of preparation. The UIndy standout is back at the NCAA DII Indoor Track and Field National Championships in Virginia Beach, Va., hungry to add another title to his name after winning the 800m title outdoors last season and finishing second in last year's indoor championships.
His journey began long before he donned the Greyhounds uniform. "I started track and field at six years old," Le Cadre said. Growing up in Nantes, France, he developed his love for the sport through his local club, where his mother volunteered, and different coaches shaped his path. He balanced athletics with academics, earning a nursing degree before choosing to continue his education and running career in the United States after his friend Felix Rivet — now also a UIndy runner — convinced him to consider the United States. After connecting with distance coach Bradley Robinson, Le Cadre found his home in Indianapolis.
Finding Momentum as a Team
This season, Le Cadre helped lead the Greyhounds earn the GLVC championship — a feat that had eluded the program for seven years. "It was a really, really big challenge for the team because we knew it was possible to win, but everybody had to do better in every event," he said. "We did it, and it was really insane." The victory was a moment of pure joy for the entire program. "Everybody did the job, and I was really glad for everyone because it's a magic story and a lot of emotion," Le Cadre added.
Chasing Greatness
The 800m runner enters the championship as the top seed, but he knows that status comes with responsibility. "I don't like to get the favorite place because you have everything to lose," he said. "But I think I can handle the pressure."
Last year's narrow loss—he finished second by just 0.3 seconds—fuels his motivation. "I really want this title," Le Cadre said. "I know I ran well in Boston, and I think I can do better." His goal is clear: win the national championship and take aim at the NCAA DII record of 1:46.78. He came within a tenth of a second earlier this season and believes the final in Virginia Beach could be the perfect stage.
He's also excited to contribute to the Distance Medley Relay (DMR), a team event he loves for its camaraderie. "I love the team stuff," Le Cadre said. "I'm going to give everything for the team."
A Team to Believe In
Le Cadre credits head coach Brad Robinson and his teammates for the program's momentum. "I'm really glad to represent UIndy because I know in track we are like a small D2, but we have really great potential," he said. He points to teammates Yanis Le Mouillour in the 800m, Felix Rivet in the 3k, and Alex Meyer in the long jump as examples of the team's depth and championship mindset.
His belief extends to the DMR, where he thinks the Greyhounds can compete for the top spot. "I think we can win," he said. "We can perform really well."
For Le Cadre, representing UIndy means everything. "I love this school, I love this city, and I love this singlet," he said. "I'm going to run really fast for this singlet."
Greyhound fans can catch Francesca Maurino in the women's high jump at 4:35 p.m. ET on Friday, March 13, while Le Cadre and Le Mouilour compete in the 800m preliminary round on at 5:05 p.m. just before Alex Meyer and the men's long jump start time at 5:10 p.m. The DMR team of Le Cadre, Le Mouillour, Lateef Mustafaa, and Rivet will wrap up the Friday night action with a 7:05 p.m. start time. Vivian Osagie kicks things off for the Hounds on Saturday, competing in the women's shot put at 5:15 p.m. before the 800m finals at 5:25 p.m. Rivet rounds out the competition for the Hounds in the men's 3k at 6:05 p.m.
The 2026 DII Indoor National Championship will be live-streamed at NCAA.com
