From Illinois to Indiana: Kaylie Politza


(Kaylie Politiza competing in the 800 at the Midsummer Night Distance Open earlier this summer)

All-state athlete, Kaylie Politza, from Lemont IL is moving to Valparaiso. This move comes as a family decision to have in-person learning and athletics. Lemont HS is currently operating on a full-time e-learning schedule. 

The decision to make the move from Illinois to Indiana was an easy one for the Politza's. They wanted their children to have the in-person learning experience full-time rather than a e-learning based model. Kaylie's father, Robert, mentioned another big reason for the move was do to a job transfer. The move would cut down on commute time for him. Mr.Politza also stated "The fully in-person learning and job convenience were the #1 & #2 priority for our family.. The athletics side was merely a side benefit of the move for both of my kids."

Results: 2019 IHSA XC 2A Girls

Politza took 5th in class 2A last fall in the Illinois State Cross Country Championships in a time of 17:22.80 for 3 miles. She will have a little bit of adjusting to do for the 5K's run in Indiana, but it shouldn't be a big change for her. 

She holds solid personal bests of 60.50, 2:13.48, 5:13.12, and 17:15 in the 400, 800, 1600 and XC 3 Mile respectively. 

(IHSA 800 prelim 2019. Politza 3rd in 2:13.)

Kaylie Politiza will join a Valparaiso program that is known for its success over the last several years. Her front running experience will pay off right away for the Lady Vikings. Her 17:22.8 from the 2019 IHSA State meet converts to just about a sub-18 5K, which will be a powerful addition to the squad. 

Coverage: 2019 IHSAA State XC Championships

Last year, Valpo placed 8th at the IHSAA State Cross Country Championships. They return 4 of the 7 that raced at the state meet as well, and with this new addition they should be looking towards a return to the top 10. 

At this time it is unclear if she will be approved by the IHSAA to compete in cross country this fall. We will update this story once more information becomes available.