Norse Newbies: Maddie Moody

NKU women’s basketball added to their front court rotation for the 2025-26 season with the signing of 6-1 forward Maddie Moody. Moody is an incoming freshman from the basketball powerhouse Archbishop Alter high school in Dayton, OH. Her love of basketball comes from her athletic family that includes a dad that played college baseball and sister who played college basketball.  

It was pretty obvious that basketball would be Moody’s path. She tried her hand at volleyball and soccer but quit those after realizing that wasn’t the right fit for her and she was extremely talented at basketball. Moody said she realized playing at the division I level was a possibility in the process of going from 8th grade to her freshman year of high school.

“I kind of realized that I think I’m good enough and I think that I have put in all this work and I had great coaches at the time that were influencing me to continually get better, having me chat with college coaches. At that moment I realized, this is definitely what I want to do. Ever since then I just continued to work hard and push and develop myself into the player that I am right now. “ Moody said. 

That assuredness was certainly seen in her freshman season where she helped lead her team to a state championship. Moody said that championship helped set a precedent for the rest of her basketball career. 

“It definitely set that standard. That continued to make me work harder every single year, not just for myself, but for the team aspect.” Moody said.

She continued to impress throughout her high school career. She led her team to a 76-8 record through her first three seasons. Her senior year was just as noteworthy, putting together an 18-8 record and another trip to the state championship as she led the GCL in PPG and blocks. She was third in rebounds and led the GCL in free throws made. 

Moody was a winner during those four years. Her team won a district and GCL title in every season Moody played. She won GCL player of the year, AP Southwest district player of the year, and first-team AP all-state. She shot 52.5% overall and 42.4% from three for her career. That efficiency led her to being the all-time leading scorer in high school and got the all-time rebounding record to match. 

The records and awards help validate Moody that she is a talented basketball player, but it means even more to her as to who she is as a person. 

“I think I’m a good player, but I also think they define me as the person I am and my work ethic and how I want to keep improving each year. I think it shows the hard work and dedication to the sport I love.” Moody said.

Future Norse teammate Gabby Razzano agreed that the qualities of Maddie as a person are just as important as her skills.

“‘I’ve seen her grow as a player from afar growing up, so I have no doubt she will be able to do the same in college. Her and her family are great people and the type of person you are definitely feeds into you as a player.” Razzano said. 

The pursuit of Moody as a potential recruit by NKU and their staff happened much earlier than her final year. Moody said she had been recruited by NKU since previous NKU head coach Camryn Volz was in charge. She was hesitant to commit so early in her recruiting process, so once current NKU head coach Jeff Hans and staff welcomed her, she was blown away. 

“Once I got to meet coach Hans and his staff, I fell in love with the school. I got to see that liveliness of campus and that was kind of what sold me and they made me feel welcomed and made it feel like a home away from home.” Moody said. 

One of those staff that recruited Moody as a sophomore in high school was Molly Bateman, the assistant coach for the Norse. At that time, she was the assistant coach for Xavier. Bateman bonded with Maddie over their love of Taylor Swift and even kept that connection throughout her NKU recruitment as they discussed what Maddie would wear to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concert. 

Bateman was not only impressed with the music taste, but the poise and talent of Moody. 

“She always makes the right play for the team. Whatever her role needs to be at that time, she absolutely does it, she’s a star at it.” Bateman said.

Moody committed to NKU going into her senior year but wasn’t satisfied with just securing the next place she would play. 

“She’s always asking for feedback. In high school when she’s already committed asking ‘what did you think? What do I need to work on? What should I be doing before I get there?’. She’s constantly asking what she needs to do to be ready to go.” Bateman said. 

The staff acknowledged how important getting a player like her from as close as Dayton is to bring more fans to the arena. Moody agreed that the people able to come to the game means a lot to her. 

“It means a lot that my family can basically come to most games. I can still have that support system that I grew up around. It really does mean a lot and I think it’s going to impact how hard I want to work at basketball and school. My family, they’re my biggest support system. So the amount of accomplishments I get on the court but also in the classroom is going to be backed up by them. That is going to drive me to continue to do good.” Moody said. 

Moody’s family has already made themselves at home and shown support before she even stepped foot on campus. 

“Her family is so invested already. Her dad actually came to quite a few of our games this year. Maddie wouldn’t be with him. He’d be by himself. So, that’s really cool to see that he’s already invested and her mom as well.” Bateman said. 

Moody has been a post player for almost her entire life. One of her goals coming into the season is extending her range. To do that, she has been taking inspiration from WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Breanna Stewart as she works on her versatility from the inside to the perimeter. Hans has similar aspirations as he said he could see her as a stretch power forward. 

Moody prides herself in her midrange game, but even more important to her is the hustle plays. She said there is not a loose ball that she won’t be on the floor for. That versatility and hustle makes Hans confident in where Moody can lead the team. 

“She can do a little bit of everything that helps the team win. That’s why I say that winning attitude and mentality that she has can carry us a long way.” Hans said. 

Moody cherishes the opportunity to suit up for the Norse, saying the scholarship to play was the most meaningful accomplishment of her career to this point. She looks forward to improving emotionally, mentally, and in her game. Moody is someone who hates losing and looks forward to bringing her winning ways to Highland Heights.