Sophomore Jude Murray sprints down the track during the Morven Parks Grounds Cross Country meet on Aug. 29, 2025. Murray is a cross-country and track athlete who balances his time between athletics, leadership roles, and school responsibilities.
“This is my second year as a cross-country and track athlete,” Murray said. “Running has really always been a great place for me to come and just have fun.”
In his first two years of high school, Murray made the track and cross country team. For track, Murray runs the 400-meter and 200-meter races and his 5K time is 20 minutes and 44 seconds.
“In track and cross country, Jude has always been a hard worker that is willing to put in the effort to get better,” senior teammate Catherine Thomas said. “He’s always been very respectful and listens to directions from the coach and the captains.”
Running has played an important role in Murray’s experience at McLean, especially when he first arrived.
“During freshman year, it helped me really make friends when I was new to the school because I was coming from private school,” Murray said. “I met great people who inspired me to drive faster and just really bring out my competitive side.”
Despite the physical challenge of track and cross country, Murray says sports help him stay focused on his schoolwork.
“For all the sports I do, it really helps me focus on my schoolwork after,” Murray said. “It makes me create a schedule for myself.”
After practice, Murray knows he has limited time left in the day, which helps him stay productive.
“I have to get home, I relax, and then I’m like, I don’t have that much time left in the day. I need to do this work,” Murray said. “So it helps me dial in on my work.”
Outside of athletics, Murray is heavily involved in leadership and service at school and in his community. He currently serves as a sophomore class council member in student government, helping organize school spirit events and decorate the hallways for spirit days.
“Being in class council with Jude helps me see what a hard-working person he truly is,” sophomore class council member Eva Kanapathy said. “He is constantly coming up with ideas and solving problems in order to make our student body better.”
In addition to student government, Murray is founding a chapter of the Key Club, a global charity organization. He is also an active member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and participates in his Boy Scout troop, where he is the second most in charge person after being involved for about seven years.
Murray is also dedicated to community service, contributing over 100 service hours helping his church.
His achievements extend beyond leadership and athletics. Murray is also recognized for his creative work.
“I have won a Gold key for the Scholastic Art and Writing competition for my photography,” Murray said.
The award is a regional Gold Key, meaning Murray’s photography work was recognized all across the East Coast.
Murray has also received recognition within the school community as homecoming prince, receiving his award at McLean’s homecoming football game.
Even with a busy schedule filled with sports, leadership roles and service, Murray continues to stay motivated and involved in many areas of school life. For Murray, running remains one of the most important parts of his daily routine.
“It gets all my energy out,” Murray said. “If I do something physically taxing, it’s much easier to focus on something after.”
Through running, leadership and service, Murray continues to build friendships, develop discipline and pursue success both on and off the track.
“Running, leadership and helping the community all teach me different skills and qualities that help me grow as a student, a leader and an athlete,” Murray said.
