Fifth in a series of stories highlighting the academic, community and personal achievements of University of Toledo student-athletes.
 
By Eric Raumen, University of Toledo Athletic Communications Intern

Alexia Moehling grew up with seven sisters, so she learned quickly how to share. That came in handy when she enrolled at the University of Toledo last fall and joined an even larger group of track & field teammates. In a way, it's like she went from having seven siblings to having 34.

"Alexia is the 'supportive sister' on our team," said teammate and roommate Rayna Horner. "She is one of the most positive, genuine, and happy people I know. For a freshman, she has shown strong leadership potential. She is always supporting and encouraging her teammates."

Moehling said she benefited from having so many sisters to learn from. For example, she was inspired by her older sisters, Arielle and Ayli, to focus on academics. That's why she choose to attend UToledo, the same as her sisters, and major in biology, the same as Arielle. Arielle graduated from UToledo in 2018 and is now in a graduate program studying to be a physician assistant. Alexia, on the other hand, has wanted to become a dentist ever since a job-shadowing experience in high school.

"Arielle has always succeeded in school and has conquered everything that has been thrown her way," said Moehling, the third oldest child in her family. "Seeing how well she did academically really inspired me to stay focused, as I knew I could be just as successful as her."

Arielle said that inspiration works both ways.

"I am honored that she said I inspire her, but what she doesn't know is that she inspires me every day," said Arielle. "Alexia is a very passionate person and will always finish everything that she starts. She has the best heart of anyone I have ever met; she is always looking to make a difference."

Moehling has indeed been a difference-maker in the area of community involvement. While in high school, she volunteered in Key Club, Interact Club and Social Connections. She started the Social Connections Club at her high school in hopes of helping students with disabilities. Moehling was also a member of the peer buddy group which helps disabled students build connections with non-disabled students by providing education and encouraging conversations.

"I noticed that students and teachers are not often taught how to properly deal with people with disabilities, and I wanted to make a difference," said Moehling, who attended Perrysburg High School. She added that she hopes to use her organizing experience from high school to a greater degree in college once COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed.

Moehling's high school experience also provided an early launch pad for her academic journey into college. She came to UToledo with 48 college credits she had accumulated by taking college courses while in high school. As a result, she has already earned enough credits to be classified as a sophomore academically. She completed her first semester with a 3.68 GPA.

Moehling's college athletic career at UToledo is also off to a great start. She took first place in the 60-meter hurdles in a meet at Defiance in February, second-place in two other meets, and also had a strong showing at her first MAC Championship Meet two weeks after.  In addition to the hurdles, Moehling also runs sprints and has some experience in competing in multi-events.
 
Associate Head Coach Adrian Ghioroaie, who recruits and mentors the sprinters, hurdlers and jumpers, has been impressed with Moehling's work ethic.

 "Alexia is a soldier," said Ghioroaie. "She shows determination, courage, and ownership of her own performance. It takes a stronger athlete to compete in multi-events. Moehling is on track towards becoming one of our top scoring athletes."

Moehling's origins on the track go back to another sister, Kaia, who is one year younger. Kaia went out for junior high track, so Alexia followed suit. Alexia noticed that hardly anyone was trying out for hurdles so she decided to give it a try. It clicked almost immediately.

"Track is an escape for me," said Moehling. "It's very relaxing. When I run, I am only focused on me and the sport."

In high school, Moehling became the conference champion in the 100-meter hurdles and went on to earn first-team All-Ohio honors. As her times improved, Moehling realized she might be good enough to compete at the college level.  The University of Toledo, with its strong track & field program and the seal of approval from her big sister, was a perfect fit. "When I came to visit Toledo I felt like it was a place I could succeed academically and athletically," said Moehling.

Moehling originally applied to Toledo's bioengineering program but eventually decided to double major in biology and Spanish. Biology provides her the necessary prerequisites for dental school. Learning Spanish will expand her career potential as well as her potential for personal growth.

"I realized learning Spanish would make me more applicable when applying to dental school," said Moehling. "Being able to speak another language can only help me succeed in life and open up more doors."

While Moehling has set a clear career path for herself, she never wants to lose sight of the big picture. In the end, she knows that the most important thing in life is helping others.

"I always want to be building connections," said Moehling. "I want to make a difference in the world."

Previous Stories

Feb. 24 - Tycen Anderson Draws Inspiration From His Grandmother
March 3 - Thailand Native Thawin Suksathaporn has found a home in Toledo
March 10 -  Freshmen Women's Tennis Players Take Aim at Medical School
March 17 - Lexa Bauer's Passion for Justice Leads Her Toward a Law Career