“I was at a point where I didn’t really trust anyone and didn’t really know if we could make it work,” Josh Hoey once admitted, reflecting on his challenging journey in professional athletics. Fast forward to 2025, Hoey has transformed into a dominant force in middle-distance running. He clinched gold in the 800m at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, clocking 1:44.77, and set a new American indoor record of 1:43.24 at the USATF Indoor Championships.
While his athletic achievements are commendable, fans are equally intrigued by the personal story that fuels his success. Let’s find out the answer about Josh Hoey’s family. Who is the support system behind him? His parents, Fran Hoey and Leslee Hoey.
Who is Josh Hoey’s Father?
Josh Hoey’s father, Fran Hoey, is a former track athlete at La Salle University and now works as a financial advisor. Fran constructed a full-sized track on their family farm near Philadelphia during the pandemic. As per PEOPLE, Fran said, “It took about six months, but ultimately it came together quite well.” He further added, “It used to be an equestrian field and it ended up being a lot of work to level out the land and all of the regulations that came with the county and such.”
This endeavor not only provided a training ground but also strengthened family bonds, with Josh often training alongside his brothers, Jonah and Jaxson. Behind every great athlete, there’s often a story of quiet dedication—and in Josh Hoey’s case, that story begins with his father, Fran Hoey. A former track athlete himself at La Salle University, Fran isn’t just Josh’s biggest cheerleader—he’s been instrumental in shaping his son’s path to success.
When the pandemic hit and training facilities shut down, Fran didn’t wait for solutions—he built one. Literally. He constructed a full-sized track on the family’s farm in Pennsylvania, a bold and heartfelt gesture that helped Josh keep chasing his Olympic dreams even in isolation.
More than just a coach or builder, Fran has been a grounding presence in Josh’s journey. From high school meets to professional races, he’s always been in the background—supporting, guiding, and, most importantly, believing. As Track & Field News noted, Fran played a significant role in Josh’s decision to turn pro straight out of high school. Their story isn’t just about athletics; it’s about family, resilience, and the kind of quiet sacrifices that rarely make headlines—but always make champions. And Josh Hoey’s mother also had a big influence on him.
Who is Josh Hoey’s Mother?
Leslee Hoey isn’t just “Josh Hoey’s mom”—she has her own impressive track record, quite literally. Josh Hoey’s mother herself is a former track athlete at Penn State, and Leslee’s love for running was something she brought into family life long before Josh ever stepped onto a podium. The pandemic turns the story upside down. How?
Well, when the pandemic hit and most athletes struggled to find a place to train, the Hoeys had a different story. Leslee, along with her husband, Fran, and their sons, turned their farm near Philadelphia into a full-sized track. It wasn’t just a creative solution—it became a symbol of the family’s unity, grit, and shared passion for running. But Leslee didn’t stop at just supporting her kids from the sidelines.
She took on the role of girls’ track coach at Bishop Shanahan High School—yes, the same school Josh attended. That meant Josh wasn’t just learning the ropes of competitive running; he was learning them from someone who had lived it herself. Whether it was holiday jogs or casual post-church mile runs, running was never just a workout in the Hoey household—it was a lifestyle. And through it all, Leslee was there, guiding, encouraging, and showing by example. It’s no surprise Josh turned out the way he did—with a mother like that, excellence was always in stride.
What is Josh Hoey’s parents’ nationality?
Josh Hoey’s parents, Fran and Leslee Hoey, are American nationals. They reside in Pennsylvania, where they have been instrumental in nurturing Josh’s athletic career. Their dedication is evident in their efforts, such as building a full-sized track on their property during the pandemic to support their children’s training.
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