The girls field will be absolutely loaded with athletes from all over the region
The girls state field by contrast is not as nearly as strong as the boys. It appears as though last year's Footlocker Finalist Lindsey Payne of Glenbard West will be the most experienced girl in the field. Payne placed 5th at the Illinois 3A state meet. But last year she earned her stripes to San Diego and took home 17th place. She will have company with newcomer to the scene Sarah Schmitt of Naperville North. Schmitt took home the 4th place medal at state and later 5th in NXN MW. She will be vying for her second national trip. Her teammate Alex Morris has trailed her by small amounts all season long and if they are both on their game, expect both to be a threat to finish in the top 10. Look for 2A champion Jenna Schwartz of Waterloo to make a splash among the field.
The state of Minnesota will be sending the deepest amount of talent to compete in Kenosha. Aside from the national ranked Ping sisters Grace Ping and Lauren Ping, it will be Emily Covert and Tierney Wolfgram all possibly earning national championship spots. It is not known if Lauren Ping can compete in the seeded race because she is an 8th grader. However, in Minnesota, pre-high school athletes are allowed to compete in their state series.
Michigan will be without defending champion Ann Forsyth of Ann Arbor. She had to bow out of the field due to illness. Look for Olivia Theis and Erica Vander Lende to show out.