More than an Athlete: Teagan Lenox
Photo by Rhianna Barrow
Teagan Lenox, a senior on the track and field team, finds joy while juggling multiple leadership roles on campus.
Lenox is a senior business administration major and senior resident assistant for Male Brinsfield and Hicks. He is also involved in Be the Bridge groups and Urban Outreach.
Student-athletes know the difficulties of balancing classes on top of multiple practices a day. Resident assistants and resident chaplains know how challenging it can be to balance their relational and administrative duties. Lenox knows the hectic combination of the two — a life with little breaks but countless rewards.
“I thrive off of being busy,” said Lenox. “The more I pack into my schedule, the more I feel like I’m accomplishing something or like I’m making an impact in some way.”
Lenox’s desire to “do it all” and excel is reflected in his athleticism. Though initially recruited to run the 400m, Lenox made his name known in the decathlon, setting a school record and winning the event at the Gulf South Conference Championships in 2019. The decathlon is the ultimate all-round test in track & field, consisting of ten events, including three different sprints and runs, hurdles, pole vault, shot put, high jump, long jump, discus and javelin throw.
“Teagan has an incredible drive to be the best in every aspect of track & field,” said coach Joseph Crook. “His continual drive to master techniques in each of his events, along with his drive to be the best among his peers, has enabled him to surpass expectations and continually set new standards for the program.”
Photo courtesy of Lee Athletic Communications
Although Lenox is required to dedicate hours each week to his training, he frequently makes time for others.
“Teagan always does things for the betterment of other people,” said Caleb Eagleson, one of Lenox’s closest friends and teammates. “If people come up to him and ask for help, he will always say, ‘yes.’ That’s just him. He wants to help people better themselves.”
“As a Senior RA and an athlete, Teagan is very busy, but he always made time to be present and engage with those around him,” said Bowdle O’Bannon Resident Director Caleb Montgomery. “His residents felt welcomed and known by him. The team felt cared for and challenged by him, and I felt supported and inspired by him.”
Lenox has been a leader in dorm life since his freshman year, where he started as a floor leader. Previously, he served as a resident chaplain and senior resident assistant in BOB.
“Teagan is someone who empowers others to be themselves because he lives in such a genuine and authentic way,” said Lee’s Discipleship Ministries Coordinator Meagan Allen. “He works hard at every task given and brings life to a room because of the joy that he himself has.”
Lenox has faced many challenges, including season-ending injuries and the passing of close loved ones. However, his strength in overcoming adversity is evident and empowering to those around him.
Photo by Rhianna Barrow
“Despite any personal or physical challenge Teagan goes through, he continually carries the joy of the Lord with him every single day at practice,” said Crook. “He continually encourages his teammates with his words, his actions and with a smile on his face.”
Though he is unsure where he will be after graduating this May, Lenox is thankful for his time at Lee and is excited about where God will lead him next.
“I just feel really blessed to be here and have all these people around me to support me,” said Lenox. “With my Res Life family, my track family and then all my other friends on campus, I know I can support them with whatever they’re going through, and I know the entire campus is going to support me and carry me through everything that’s happened. Life’s a lot easier when you can find the positives and when you have people in your corner that just listen.”
