Senior Ethan Moody is known for his speed. In middle school, Moody’s coach encouraged him to join track and field because of his speed. Little did he know this decision would have a huge impact on his athletic career.
“I started off playing baseball. They saw how fast I was getting to each base, and they were like, ‘You should join the track team’,” Moody said. “So in sixth grade, I joined the varsity track team.”
Moody has now been participating in track and field for seven years, where he has made major improvements as well as achievements. This has been seen by many of his peers and mentors. Moody believes that his Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) coach has significantly contributed to his confidence in achieving his goals.
“My AAU coach, Coach Samuels, encourages me when I don’t believe in myself. At certain points, he would say, ‘You’re going to go out there and you’re gonna do this. You’re going to PR [personal record] every time you run’. Most of the time I do that,” Moody said.
Coach Brandon Samuels has coached Moody for four years and has seen a lot of progress since they first met.
“Ethan started with me as a sprinter, and I introduced him to hurdles. Ethan’s first year competing over hurdles he was a state champion,” Samuels said. “In his second year, he won state for the second time, set his high school record, and won an AAU National Championship in 400 hurdles. This year, his progress will be very special.”
Moody has had major accomplishments in his career; he became a National Champion, placed 18th at the 2024 New Balance Nationals, was the 2024 T&F State Champion, competed in the 2024 All-American Track Classic, set RNE’s record for 400-meter hurdles at 53.81 seconds and set RNE’s record for 110-meter hurdles to 14.15 seconds.
“My biggest accomplishment is when I became a national champion over the summer. It was a rough meet, and a lot of chaos happened,” Moody said. “I wasn’t able to warm up for the prelim and the finals. I had to run on the track and for the prelim to make it to the finals. I did well, I got first place.n The next day, I woke up and ran it again and became a national champ. So that was a highlight in my career that I love.”
Last summer, Moody traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the 2024 New Balance Nationals Outdoor Championship and ended up placing first in his heat.
“Overall, the trip was fantastic. I did well; it wasn’t a PR, but just to be at nationals and compete on a national level with other amazing athletes was good. I ended up getting first in my heat, but I don’t remember what I placed. I was just happy to be there and surrounded myself with joy and happiness with the family even coming out to support me,” Moody said. “I was able to converse with schools and get my name out [for] recognition.”
For now, Moody remains unsigned.
“Right now, I’m just scoping out my options. I have talked with certain colleges, but nothing is official yet,” Moody said.
Samuels believes being unsigned benefits Moody, as it pushes him to try harder.
“The best that has happened to Ethan, in my opinion, is that he remains unsigned to a college. That has awakened something different in him this year.”
Although Moody has major accomplishments in his career, he still believes he has areas he needs to work on.
“This year, I just want to improve on efficiency,” Moody said. “I’m also working on alternating, where you use both legs going over the hurdles, so I’ll be going over my second and fourth hurdle with my left leg. I’m trying to stay focused on that and getting my left leg stronger and building up more muscle.”
Before the track and field season starts, Moody prepares so he does not fall behind and is determined to have his best performance during meets and practice.
“It’s always best to start off and condition a little bit earlier so that when the season gets here, you’re already prepared,” Moody said. “You have to eat and get enough vitamins and protein from certain meals so you can perform well.”
During practice, his teammates look up to him.
“Ethan, as a teammate, I would describe him as a silent leader. He will lead every rep in practice and encourage his teammates,” Sams said.
As for Moody, he’s influenced by multiple track and field stars to stay confident.
“Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is the 400-hurdle world record holder. She has influenced me. Also, Sha’Carri Richardson has influenced me with being confident, saying it doesn’t matter where you start or if anything happens, just push through it and the results are going to show and pay off,” said Moody.
While every athlete has tough times during their season, Moody acts as a silent leader and a supportive teammate and shows sportsmanship to everyone. Even through hard times, he stays motivated and doesn’t give up.
“The success pays off, so that’s why I’m still here.f I continue to be good, it’s going to continue to show. So really what keeps me motivated is just seeing my results,” Moody said. “I just focus on really winning and what is going to get me to where I want to be.”
