Photo Courtesy of @shotby_sebas on Instagram

Zoelen Terry looking over the defense during a football game.

Zoelen Terry has already made a major impact on Metea Valley. Terry, last year’s IHSA State Champion in the long jump at Naperville Central, is heading into this track season confident he can bring the same success to the Mustangs.

“The feeling was great,” Terry said. “I felt amazing, and I hope to bring another State Championship to Metea Valley.”

Terry’s dominance extends from the track to the field, with him winning honors such as 1st Team All-Conference, 1st Team All-Area, and 1st Team All-County, while also recently committing to Saint Xavier. Along with himself, teammate Trent Sterling was both highlighted for the MLK Character award in the Chicagoland Area.

“Being highlighted for this award means a lot to me,” Terry said. “It shows how great I’ve been, how successful everything has been for me, and it shows how I can be a leader, even when it doesn’t feel like anyone is watching.”

Since arriving in Metea, Terry has adjusted to a program that he says is more intense but is paying off.

“The training is definitely different,” Terry said. “It’s more intense, puts more stress on my body, but it’s actually been helping me out, feeling faster and better than I was at Central, and I feel like I can be the State Champ.”

This training has him feeling optimistic and ready for what this season has prepared. Terry and his brother, Mikai, are Iowa natives who attended Naperville Central last year before transferring to Metea this school year. Despite moving through three schools, the experience has strengthened their mindset.

“The journey has been tough, going through three high schools just because it’s a lot of change, but my brother and I have been resilient while keeping our heads up high,” Terry said. “He’s followed me through all my sports, doing what I’m doing, following in my steps. I’m proud of him for that, and with what we have both become today. “

Coach Daseon Evans is going into his third year as the long jump coach at Metea and has the utmost confidence in Terry going into his senior year.

“His attitude and approach to the sport are truly amazing, and I can’t wait to see how he keeps on progressing the rest of this year,” Evans said.