The Unexpected Trajectory of Josh Hoey: From Prodigy to Professional Success
Josh Hoey's journey in the world of track and field is anything but typical. From turning professional straight out of high school to navigating a series of coaching changes and ultimately finding success on his own terms, Hoey's story is one of resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of his family.
Early Promise and a Leap into the Pros
The decision of Josh Hoey to turn professional directly from high school was a shocking one. Only a few US men's distance runners have taken a similar path, including Drew Hunter and Hobbs Kessler. While Hunter was a Foot Locker champion with national records, and Kessler boasted a high school personal best that surpassed the NCAA record, Hoey's move was unexpected. He recognized the pressure that would come with turning pro, a pressure largely self-imposed.
His decision was influenced by Terrence Mahon, who had been coaching Hoey remotely since seventh grade. Mahon, a friend of Hoey's father, Fran, advised him to seize the professional opportunity. Consequently, in the fall of 2018, Hoey relocated to San Diego to join Mahon's Mission Athletics Club.
Early Career Challenges
The transition to professional training proved difficult for Hoey. He struggled with the increased mileage at the team's altitude camp, which led to shin splints. The experience left him feeling isolated and depressed. Even after returning home to Pennsylvania, his performance did not improve, leading to a necessary change.
The Unwavering Support of Family
Throughout his career, Hoey has been supported by his brothers, Jaxson and Jonah. When Josh moved to San Diego in 2018, Jaxson left the University of Oregon to train with him. Jonah later joined them, completing his senior year of high school online. While Jaxson and Jonah received gear from Adidas, they worked for their father's investment firm. Jonah said that his official visits cemented his conviction that staying home was better, to be a part of something potentially greater than what he could do in college. Jaxson said the brothers’ journey has been challenging at times. He has been injured, a lot. There were moments when both he and Josh would grow frustrated with their lack of progress, occasionally leading to tension between the two of them.
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Fran Hoey has been a constant presence in his sons' careers. He bought houses near their colleges and even constructed an eight-lane track on a property in Coatesville, complete with training facilities.
Coaching Carousel and the Search for the Right Fit
Hoey's career has involved several coaching changes. After his time with Mahon, he worked with Matt Centrowitz. Then the Hoeys briefly joined Empire Elite. The Hoeys spent a period in Jacksonville under Rana Reider, an experience Josh described as "miserable.” Josh began talking with a German sports psychologist, Henning Thrien, after feeling depressed.
A Turning Point: Coaching Himself and Finding Justin Rinaldi
In October 2023, nearing his 24th birthday, Hoey contemplated leaving professional running. With one year left on his Adidas contract, he began interning at his father's firm. Deciding that the 2024 season would be his last, Hoey initially planned to coach himself, even considering the name "Once More Track Club" for his training group.
However, a recommendation from a family friend, Brad Sumner, led him to Justin Rinaldi. Hoey was initially hesitant but was convinced by his parents to contact Rinaldi. After speaking with Rinaldi, Hoey was impressed and decided to work with him.
Rinaldi's impact was immediate. In 2024, Hoey improved his personal best from 1:47.26 to 1:43.80 and achieved fourth place at the US outdoor championships.
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The Ingredients for Success: Talent, Confidence, and Toughness
Hoey's world title in Nanjing was attributed to talent, confidence, and toughness. He possessed the talent, Rinaldi helped him find confidence, and he had the toughness.
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