Sophomore Moody Ready to Lead Tide
9/10/2008 12:00:00 AM
Sept. 10, 2008
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Haley Moody had no idea she would be so successful as a freshman last season. The sophomore garnered multiple honors in 2007 including All-SEC and All-South Region in cross country. Though Moody was in a competitive high school program, she attributes much of her collegiate success to head cross country coach Randy Hasenbank.
Hasenbank was a big reason Moody decided to come to The University of Alabama over the other SEC and ACC schools recruiting her. Moody dropped her 5000 meter time about a minute between high school and her freshman year in college under Hasenbank.
"From a running perspective, I came to Alabama because I believed in the program. Coach Hasenbankis an awesome coach and I feel like he can help make me the best runner I can possibly be," Moody said. "He's excited about the program and he made me excited about it. I think this team is really going places within the next few years.
Though only a sophomore, Moody is regarded as a leader for the Crimson Tide squad. Moody ran all six races last season and led the team in every competition.
"It's a lot of pressure but it's exciting for me to be able to help bring the team together and be one of the leaders on the team for the freshman," Moody said."It was really exciting to be so successful as a freshman, but that success only makes me want to run even faster."
Moody prefers cross country to track because she feels more competitive running over hills, rough terrain, and longer distances. She wants the next three years to be filled with even more accomplishments than her freshman year.
"I want to be an SEC champion, that's my first goal. I also want to bean All-American. I would love to be part of a successful team as well," Moody said. "Hopefully within the next few years I can be a part of our teamcompeting for an SEC Championship."
Still just a sophomore, Moody is already thinking about life after undergraduate school. She would like to pursue a higher degree while keeping running in her future as well.
"Right now I'm thinking aboutlaw school but that could easily change. I'm still not exactly surewhat I want to do," Moody said."I'd really like to take running as far as I cango, whatever level that happens to be."
The Crimson Tide ladies will host the 20th Annual Crimson Classic on Sept. 20. The meet will be held at the Harry Pritchett Course with the women's 5000m race beginning at 9:15 a.m.
