Arlington High School’s Class of 2011 alum Jonathan Moody is returning to his alma mater to serve as head coach for AHS Tiger Baseball. The former Delta State University player and pitching coach has spent the past four seasons leading the First Assembly Christian School Crusaders, a time in which the team set a school record for single season wins in 2022.
“Coach Moody is the perfect fit to lead our baseball program with his experience in both high school and college-level baseball,” Principal Shannon Abraham said about the coaching selection. “He’s committed to developing athletes who have ambitions of playing beyond high school, and with his coaching background and proven track record of success, he knows how to get them to that next level. It’s an added bonus that Coach Moody played at Arlington as a student, so he’s coming onto the team invested and with a vision for the direction of the program. I’m excited to see what the team will accomplish under his guidance.”
As head coach for the Crusaders, Moody led the team to its first-ever state quarterfinals appearance in 2022, and he has helped several of his players advance to the collegiate level. But his coaching experience also goes beyond high school sports. After playing for the Delta State Statesmen as a pitcher from 2013-2016, during which he was a two-time All-Gulf South Conference selection, he was hired as the pitching coach by Head Coach Mike Kinnison. While on the coaching staff there, the Statesmen won back-to-back Gulf South Conference championships and the 2017 South Regional Tournament, which ultimately punched their ticket to the College World Series. Also, during his time with Delta State, two pitchers were drafted into the MLB and one was selected as a free agent, all of whom continue to progress through the minor leagues.
Now, Moody is coming back to his roots at Arlington High School. As a Tiger, Moody played in the semifinals of the state tournament in 2011. “Coming back to the old stomping grounds is surreal,” Moody said. “I played under Coach Ring, and when I learned he decided to hang it up a few years ago, I did everything I could to prepare myself for this position and for this moment because I knew this opportunity would be there eventually. The outstanding talent, community and feeling of excellence is something I experienced as a player, and I’m ready to lead the team under those same conditions.”
“My goal is to create a program that the community is proud of and is excited to come watch, and I can’t do it alone,” he continued. “I really want to involve and engage the fans, the parents and the community, and ultimately, work with a group of players who have high expectations and want to win championships.”
In addition to coaching duties, Moody will teach Social Studies at the high school. Welcome back to Arlington, Coach Moody!
