Inside the Rise of Lumberton’s Xander Moody

LUMBERTON, NC Lumberton’s Xander Moody is off to a strong start this season, wrestling with confidence, focus, and a level of maturity that shows how much he’s grown over the past year. Now sitting at 23–0 and recently passing the 100-win career milestone. Moody is currently ranked 4th in the state at 7A 113.

“For the past two years I was wrestling up,” Moody said. “Being back at my real weight makes a huge difference. I’m more confident, and I trust my abilities a lot more.”

A big part of that confidence comes from the work no one saw. Moody’s offseason wasn’t typical. It was built on discipline. Early mornings, long sessions, and a focus on sharpening the small things that decide tough matches.

“My offseason was out of the ordinary,” he said. “I was up at 5 a.m. working on discipline and putting all the pieces together. I wanted to build a better mindset and fix the little details.”

Those details matter. Moody spent a lot of time developing his bottom work, improving position, and learning how to stay composed when matches get gritty. It wasn’t glamorous, but it changed how he wrestles he spent some time training at UNCP.

“The biggest difference from last season is paying attention to the small things,” he said. “Those details matter when the match gets tough.”

Moody also trained in environments with high-level athletes around him places that raised the expectations and pushed him to believe in himself at a different level.

“They taught me that if I want to compete at that level, I’ve got to manage things better,” he said. “Being around people with the same aspirations helps you realize you belong there too.”

Moody’s support system has been instrumental He speaks highly of his Lumberton coaches and what they mean to him, not just as a wrestler, but as a person.

“Lumberton is a great place to be,” Moody said. “Coach Teague, Coach Bell, Coach Lauren, they push me every day. They’ve helped me become a better version of myself and stay confident when I step on the mat.”

NC Pride

At NC Pride, the energy is just as strong. Moody trains with partners who make him better, and a coaching staff that has guided him since he was a kid.

“The environment at Pride is amazing,” he said. “I’ve got teammates and even UNCP wrestlers in the room. Training with guys like Trex and Aaron Ellison pushes me. Coach Buck has been there since day one, and with Coach Walker, Blaze, Johnson, and Coptsias, the energy is always good.”

When Moody wrestles now, he keeps things simple, scores, dominates, and enjoys the moment.

“My mindset is to show how dominant I can be, score points, and have fun,” he said.

And while he stays grounded with a one match at a time mentality, his goals for the season are clear.

• Reach major win milestones

• Stay undefeated

• Rack up bonus points

• Capture a state title

• Help lead Lumberton to Team Titles in the dual team and the individual state tournament

For Moody, it all comes down to consistency working every day, trusting his preparation, and staying focused on the next step.

“At the end of the day,” he said, “we chop wood and carry water. One match at a time.”

This year, everything is finally clicking for him the confidence, the discipline, the mindset, the environment. And with the way he’s wrestling, it’s clear this season belongs to Xander Moody.