by Izzy Wemes and Austin Bainbridge

A.J. Moye, a well-known and loved IU basketball player remembered for his block of Duke’s Carlos Boozer in the 2002 NCAA Sweet 16, has joined JHS as the new athletic director.

While Moye is known for his skills in basketball, that wasn’t the only sport he played. 

“I played almost every sport growing up,” said Moye, who sees how important it is to relate to Red Devil student athletes and coaches as part of his new job.

His colleagues have taken notice.

“I think his ability to relate to each student athlete — that’s the first thing,” said boys’ basketball coach Sherron Wilkerson. “The second thing is his experiences put him in a position where he can basically mentor any student athlete no matter the sport, and that’s priceless in this day and age.”

Moye appreciates all sports, even those that may be under-appreciated by others. He wants everyone to feel valued, especially the coaches and players.

“I try and get to every team’s practices once or twice a week. Just Saturday I went to the girls’ golf, first tournament, and saw them play, and the coaches were just like, ‘ You won’t believe how supportive this is’,” said Moye. 

In particular, Moye said he realizes the impact of supporting the boys’ and girls’ teams, saying he’s adamant about supporting all equally.

“You know, I have three daughters and one son, so I understand some of the frustrations,” he said.

I’m just really watching and supporting all the coaches, but more importantly, trying to be a good shepherd for the kids, and being someone who the kids look up to.”

Athletic Director A.J. Moye

Moye said in his new role he wants to give Red Devil athletes a reason to work hard, showing them that he cares.

“I’m just really watching and supporting all the coaches, but more importantly, trying to be a good shepherd for the kids, and being someone who the kids look up to.”

Moye is taking what he has learned from his time working and coaching as an assistant coach at Valparaiso University and from his time working with NBA players like Kobe Bryant, Kyrie Irving, and DeMar Derozan to lead a way for JHS coaches to better athletes, including those who hope to play in college or professionally.

 “Pro ball is going to influence how he does things. Because ultimately, for a lot of these kids, that’s their goal. So if they want to get there, we have to put these kids in a position to be successful. So with him knowing what it is to get to that pro level and the steps that he’s seen at high schools and colleges along the way, he can implement that structure,” said head football coach Joe Washington. 

Moye’s colleagues say he has a contagious personality that everyone can feel and relate to.

“I feel like how I am as a person, it rubs off on everyone I meet, including the kids,” Moye said. 

Moye has plans of grandeur for this athletic department. He knows what he can bring to it and what he wants from it. The main goal that he wants is to see every sport succeed. His coaches believe in his vision.

Washington said Moye has brought a “family atmosphere” to JHS athletics.

“He has a good vision for what he wants the overall athletic department to look like in athletic programs. And he’s backing a lot of us, to give us what we need to be successful as programs,” said Washington. “He’s letting me know some of the steps that I didn’t know about being a head coach and paperwork and making sure that  I’m staying within the guidelines of IHSAA — just helping me out. He understands how it is to be a successful head coach.”

In particular, Moye is trying to be present, to be a part of the community. Coaches have taken notice of this and appreciate him taking the time to be present.

“I only know of one of the previous ADs, but, yeah, he’s just out in public. He comes to a lot of the practices,” said Washington. “During practice, he’ll walk up and he’s asking questions, even both of confidence,  just saying I like what you’re doing. Just being visible. So that’s a real big positive for him.”

“An athletic director is probably the most important position in our department” said Wilkerson. “Athletic directors touch everybody in an organization and I think you need a dynamic person to be successful as an athletic director.”

Moye said he loves his job for many reasons, but one shines brighter than the rest.

 “I love being the AD because there’s a lot of unexpected occurrences and changes,”  he said.

Moye has mentioned that he has big plans for Jeff sports, the athletic department, and making Jeff embraceable.

“There are a lot of plans that I have. I want the fans, parents, and students to embrace Jeff, but in order to have that happen our sports department has to be embraceable.”