Head Coach/coaches: Lauren DeAngelis/Jimmy Kolb, Ashley Tucker
Last year's finish: State Champions; 4th place- Running Lanes Nationals
Key returners: Katherine Klimek (Jr), Bria Bennis (Sr), Brooke Berger (Sr), Michaela Quinn (Jr), "Maggie" Margaret Owens (Jr), Lily Beerhalter (Sr)
Newcomers:
We have a big, talented incoming freshman class with minimum running experience. I think September will tell a lot as they gain running experience and racing knowledge. This team is eager to compete and entered the program with a very determined mindset.
Outlook: 2021 proved to be no fluke from 2020 when the Lady Dukes won the Shazam Championships. They steamrolled the competition early and often until the final buzzer sounded inside Peoria's Detweiller Park.
As good as this returning squad is, they are still humble. "We have a very talented group with a strong mental focus for the upcoming season," said a confident yet observant coach DeAngelis. "I believe this team has the potential to go after a West Suburban Conference (Silver) win on the varsity, JV, and sophomore levels in a very deep, talented field. The goal is to focus on steady progression, injury prevention, and mental preparation."