Ty Steorts and his re-commitment to Tennessee
Ty Steorts is one of the top HS runners this season and recently re-committed to the University of Tennessee. Ty had committed to Tennessee in September of last year but had decommitted after the coaching change this past summer. After visiting a couple schools, he ultimately decided to re-commit to the Volunteers. He is a 6x West Virginia state champion (3 in XC, 3 in track) and was 6th at Footlocker Nationals last year. He plans on competing at NXR Southeast next weekend and contend for a national title at Nike Cross Nationals. Ty has personal bests of 4:05.08 (1600), 8:46.53 (3200), and 14:14.70 (5000).
You had made your initial commitment to Tennessee last fall, then after the coaching change, you ultimately decided to recommit to the Volunteers. Can you take me back your initial reactions to the coaching change, how your recruiting process went, and why you decided to stay with Tennessee?
Whenever coach Duncan took the distance coaching job at Tennessee I knew the program would be in good hands. He’s a great guy with top-tier knowledge in the sport. I still wanted to explore some other schools to see if Tennessee really was the best fit for me, and I came to the conclusion that it was. Tennessee has an amazing college environment and awesome guys on the team as well. I truly believe Tennessee is going to be a top-dog distance program soon.
What other schools did you visit after decommitting? Did you start from a clean slate from last year?
I visited Notre Dame, North Carolina, and Wake Forest.
Headed into the 2025/2026 school year, the NCAA is looking like it’ll be going through a lot of changes. More specifically, the SEC seems to be moving towards smaller roster sizes than the proposed 17 by the NCAA. Has the coaching staff at Tennessee talked to you about any of these changes & did any of that have any influence in your recruitment?
Yes, the coach had talked about these changes with me. I personally don’t have anything to worry about. But some other athletes do. I do not agree with the way the SEC is changing roster limits because this is preventing some athletes from being able to follow their dreams of running at a SEC school like Tennessee. I wouldn’t say it really influenced the school I was choosing between but it was definitely something I kept in mind.
Tennessee’s had a complete revamp in terms of their recruiting class, with a different group of guys from when you had initially committed to Tennessee and potentially a couple more international guys coming in soon. Have you had a chance to meet anyone else in Tennessee’s incoming class?
I’ve talked with two of the guys so far, being Oliver and Charlie. They all are great guys with high-class potential in the sport. The other guys I’m excited to meet!
What are you most excited for next year in Knoxville?
Next year i’m most excited to experience the collegiate level of training in the sport.
This XC season, you’re projected by many as the favorite for a national title this fall. What are your plans for races this post-season and what are your goals?
I’ll be headed to NXR and NXN this post season. I’m really excited for them both. The main goal is to just race to my best ability and give it my all.
What’s a typical training week look like for you? What’s your weekly mileage?
Beginning of the Season I was around 55ish Miles per week with 1 long run and 2 workouts. Now I’m sitting around 40 still with 2 workouts a week and a long run.
What’s your favorite workout?
My favorite workout is either 8x1k because it’s always challenging and mentally beneficial to me. Close second place has to be fartleks with my teammates.
Lastly, who’s your favorite all-time athlete? Either track & field or other sports
My favorite athlete is probably Lewis Hamilton. I’m starting to get into F1 racing and he’s one of the top guys.
