Hood was born in
Winnipeg,
Manitoba to parents Colin and Brenda, but grew up in
Burlington, Ontario. His father served as the executive director of the
Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) and the Colin Hood OFSAA School Sport Award is named in his honour. He has two sisters. Hood attended
Nelson High School where he was a four-time OFSAA champion in the 800m and 1500m. Hood was a member of the Burlington Track and Field Club and played a variety of sports during his high school years, including soccer, basketball, cross country skiing, and track and field. ==Collegiate==