James Cody '25 Recruiting Profile

My college aspirations are very simple and deliberate: to obtain my degree and achieve All-American status. These goals are not the easiest, but to not challenge yourself is to give up on yourself—something I take very seriously. I compete with tenacity and perseverance. Coming from a school without a hurdling coach or a proper sprint coach during my freshman through junior years, I’ve learned to push myself.

Track and field is more than just a sport to me—it brings me happiness and gives me the confidence to believe in myself and be comfortable around others. One of my strongest beliefs is that iron sharpens iron. I’ve raced against and trained with some amazing athletes, and those experiences have helped shape who I am.

Tyler Miller (EIU 400mh) is a friend who taught me how to be confident and fast over the hurdles. He was not only a strong competitor, but also a great mentor and training partner. We trained together under Coach Gary Speiza, a hurdling coach I began working with during my junior year.

This mindset and growth wouldn’t be possible without the right coaching, which is why finding the perfect coach—alongside a strong academic program—is my main focus when choosing a college.

In addition to my track and field aspirations, the Army National Guard has also become a significant part of my life. Due to my training, I won’t be able to enroll until the Fall 2026 semester. Fortunately, this gives me more time to develop my skills. When I return in mid-February 2026, I plan to train hard all the way through to the fall, so I can be as well-prepared for the season as possible.