Ava Moody reflects on teamwork, family support in cross-country journey
AVA MOODY
Moody, a junior cross-country and track-and-field standout at Anderson County High School, continues to make history for the Lady Mavericks.
A decorated athlete, she captured her third state championship earlier this month at the TSSAA Class A/AA cross-country championships.
Moody completed the 5,000-meter course at Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville on Thursday, Nov. 7, in 18 minutes, 17.96 seconds.
Despite her individual success, Moody, a two-time regional cross-country champion who finished third at last year’s state meet, credits her teammates and family for her achievements.
“I couldn’t have done any of this without my teammates,” Moody said. “I have great teammates. In cross country, it’s all about your teammates, because they may not always be on the course with you, but they’re always there cheering you on and supporting you.”
One of those supportive teammates is senior Vance Laster, a state track champion in his own right.
“Vance is a great teammate,” Moody said.
Last spring, Moody and Laster combined for three state titles at the TSSAA Class AA state track-and-field championships in Murfreesboro, where Anderson County earned five gold medals.
Moody won the 1,600- and 3,200-meter races, while Laster claimed the boys’ 3,200-meter title and contributed to the Mavericks’ 4x800-meter relay team championship.
Luke Dark added a title in the shot put for Anderson County.
ACHS cross-country Coach Mollie Fox praised Moody’s latest accomplishment as a milestone for the program.
“This was really big for our program, big for our team, big for our school, and big for Ava,” Fox said. “It was definitely a huge win. It was great for Ava just to get to experience that.”
Moody’s journey into running was inspired by her family.
Her sister, Madison, a graduate of Anderson County, ran cross country and track at the high school and college levels alongside Fox.
“My sister encouraged me to run, and my mom inspired me to run,” Moody said.
“My mom didn’t stress the competitive side of it. She taught me to go out and run and have fun.”
