Indoor Track & Field 1.22.25 Snyder Center
Co-Captain Ethan Ly ’27 began his track career running middle-distance events, but over time, he discovered both a passion for sprinting and a deep commitment to the community around the sport. Ly first got into track through cross country in middle school, later transitioning into sprinting as he realized he preferred power and speed over distance. After overcoming a season-ending hamstring injury last spring, Ly enters this season focused, healthy, and determined to lead a program defined by camaraderie and improvement.
What kept Ly in the sport, he explained, was not only competition but the people around him. From just starting his track journey to his first year at Andover, Ly found mentorship and a drive through people working toward similar goals. Now, as Co-Captain, he aims to create that same environment for every athlete who joins the program.
“My twin sister runs track, and many of the most important people in my life are from the sport. Looking back, what kept me with the sport was always the community. I experienced this most as a Junior with former Co-Captain Emerson Kington ’24, who would always lead as a strong role model both on and off the track. Even though track is an individual sport, the people around you push you to become the best athlete and person you can be. As a captain, I want everyone to feel that same sense of connection that helped me fall in love with the sport,” said Ly.
Fittingly, Ly noted that his leadership style focuses on setting the tone during tough training blocks, hoping his positivity and intensity will inspire his teammates to push their limits.
“My role as a leader on the team is to help foster a culture where my teammates have a drive to continue improving and learn to enjoy the sport. Personally, I enjoy seeing myself put in the work to achieve a goal and make progress toward it, and I hope that that reflects on my teammates, who, seeing me push myself, will see it fit to do the same,” said Ly.
Cass Dunleavy ’29, a newcomer to the team and the sport, emphasized how Ly strives to strengthen individual relationships across the program. Unlike coaches who must oversee the entire roster, Ly and the other captains can offer athletes more personalized support.
“Watching Ethan run helps me understand pacing and form. As someone new to track, having him there makes a huge difference. The coaches can’t always give super-specific tips because they’re coaching so many people, but the [Co-]Captains run with us and push us. Ethan, especially, is super outgoing. Yesterday, during 8×200s, I was going all out for a time, and right near the finish, he yelled, ‘Let’s go, Cass!’ I hit my goal because of that, and afterward, he came up to me, which meant a lot,” said Dunleavy.
Brady Nelson ’27, one of the team’s veteran sprinters, reflected on the energy and expertise Ly brings to the program. Nelson also elaborated on Ly’s support throughout his development as a sprinter, continuing to play a central role in developing athletes and maintaining the team’s energy through music.
“I started track in my freshman spring. Initially, it seemed like such a large group of people that it was hard to see it as a close-knit community, but Ethan was definitely a friendly face. I dedicated myself more to the sport last year, and I started going to the extra captains’ practices. In captains’ practices, especially this year, he always leads by example and makes sure other people can follow and understand drills and warm-ups correctly. On top of that, Ethan has great music choice, which always keeps the energy high during practice,” said Nelson.
After missing last spring due to a hamstring injury, Ly spent months gradually rebuilding strength. Returning to nearly full health this season, he enters with a renewed appreciation for competition.
“Last spring, I was disappointed to have injured my hamstring and be unable to compete that season. While I was injured, I was really longing to get back on the track. After a summer’s worth of rehab and captains’ practices this past fall, I finally feel almost back to 100%. The team also had a string of hard workouts recently, and having seen the determination and speed with which my teammates ran, I have a super positive outlook on this season,” said Ly.
Editor’s Note: Ethan Ly ’27 is a Sports Editor on The Phillipian, vol. CXLVIII.
