20. Naperville (Neuqua Valley)
Head Coach/coaches: Amanda Ameling/Andrew Voller, Corie Sanders, Shelby Thornmeyer, Bruyn Yunk
Last year's finish: 6th- State Championship
Key returners: Julia Rushing (So.), Brynne Winiarski (Sr.), Keara Ginell (Sr.), Corinna Pena (Sr.), Sofia Medina (Sr.)
Projected top 7: This is my first year taking on the head coaching position. We have five returning from our top seven last year, I would project all of these ladies being in the running for our top 7. We have a few freshmen that potentially could find their way into mix as well.
Newcomers: No specific names to be mentioned but we are definitely looking forward to incorporating our new freshmen into our team dynamic.
Coach Ameling's thoughts on team: "We have a great group of girls who are ready to work hard. Last year we graduated a few of the team's crucial runners in terms of ability and leadership. The upperclassmen of this team now are ready to fill those shoes and eager to help lead the team towards a successful season. We will be diligent and patient throughout the season to achieve our end goals."
19. Wheaton-Warrenville South
Head Coach/coaches: Rob Harvey/Sarah Bikulcius
Last year's finish: 14th- State Championship; 14th at NXR
Key returners: Laurel Moneysmith (Jr.), Maria Rucoba (So.), Haley Ansiel (So.), Amanda Obrist (Jr.), Kaitlyn Nenninger, Sarah Kulkarni, Jennifer Schaeffer
Projected top 7: We don't ever project the Top 7
Newcomers: We have one of the biggest freshmen teams that we've ever had. They are an
extremely talented group. Two or three will have very high impact. We have a few sophomores
who trained with us before their freshman year. They did not compete their freshman season, but
are now out. They could impact our varsity group.
Coach Harvey's thoughts on team: With the bulk of our talent begin, so young, we will need every
meet and every practice to improve. We will be ready for the championship part of our season.
18. Evanston
Head Coach/coaches: Rosette Ochoa/Gedion Yitref, Kathleen Sullivan, Luis Vargas, Jenna Kortisaris
Last year's finish: 6th- Skokie (Niles West Sectional)
Key returners: Enyaeva Michelin (Sr.), Grace Naquin (Jr.), Eavan Norman (So.), Elinor Rosenberg (Jr.), Zoe Hadley (Sr.), Meg Eisfelder (Sr.), Gabrielle Horton (So.)
Projected top 7: See above, others
Newcomers: Abigial Osterlund, Hannah Lipman, Sophia McCandlish, Lila Garfiled, Mia Dzwierzynksi, Emily McCandlish, Rachel Patino (based off mile TT)
Coach Ochoa's thoughts on team: "This will be a competitive and exciting year. We have strong leadership by our four senior captains (Enyaeva Micheline, Meg Eisfelder, Olivia Holland, and Zoe Hadley) who not only are leading by example but are in constant communication with the coaches about there vision/goals for the team and as individuals. We have had the strongest summer training and pre-season training because of them. I can't wait to see how that rolls out during the season."
17. Plainfield North
Head Coach/coaches: Tammy Gummerson, assistant coach- Kevin Markwell
Last year's
finish: state- 24th
Key returners: Juliana Stogsdill (Jr.) Becca Lau (Sr.), Megan Patton (Sr), Emily Bedford (So), Mariam Hussain (Sr), Lauren Super (Sr). We are also returning Emily Milton (Sr) and Sarah Conley (So) from the top 10
Newcomers: Riley Frankel and Kiki Mazza (sophomores) are new top xc but had great track seasons. We also have new freshman Katie Nalley that had a nice 8th grade season and a good summer with the girls
Coach's thoughts on team: We are excited to return 5 of the 7 from last year. We are also excited to see what the new girls can add to the team as well as those girls like Sarah and Emily that have had great summer miles.
16. Schaumburg
Head Coach/coaches: Kristen Zillmer/Robin Bingham
Last year's finish: 22nd- State Championship
Key returners: Madison Marasco (Sr), Rachael Vaccaro (Sr), Mikeelie Jensen (Jr)
Projected top
7: Madison
Marasco, Rachael Vaccaro, Mikeelie Jensen (Junior), Katie
Smith (soph), Victoria Treni (soph.), Maggy Centeno (senior), and Elizabeth
Sodimu (junior)
Newcomers: Bea Frondoso (soph.)
Coach Zillmer's thoughts on team: :We have a great group of girls returning this season and are looking to qualify for the state meet again this season. We did lose a couple key runners from last season but the team is ready to step up to achieve their goals. One or two girls are looking to achieve all-state honor. Madison Marasco is looking for a top-5 finish at state meet. The team has put in a lot of work this summer and they are ready to roll."