Head Coach/assistant coaches: Chris Muth, Lauren Vriezen, Tori Gatlin, Kerry Stillmunkes

Last year's finish: State Championship- 28th place

Key returners: Athena Triner (Jr), Mia Evans (Sr), Rachel Rotramel (Jr), Linden Moss (Jr), Paige Timm (Sr), Ellison Meyers (So)

Outlook: According to Coach Muth, this will feel more like a rebuilding season. "We have the team that we thought we would have no big losses outside of graduation," he said. "Summer training has been consistent, but very individualized based on past injury history and youth of running. We have been healthy, which was our first goal, but haven't produced any monster worth celebrating. I would say that we are a little behind previous years, but in a healthier position going into the season."

It is not all gloom and doom in the Foxes' camp. "Outside of some more gradual conservative ramp-ups in mileage and intensity, everyone is in a positive position to make progress going forward from August 1st," indicated Muth. Linden Moss and Paige Timm appear ready to step up and join top returner Athena Triner. 

However, it is about the team, and the goals in the early portion of the season will be to solidify the top seven and drop the scoring split under a minute. If health and teamwork remain strong, the Foxes will be on the Detweiller starting line in November. 

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Lisa Cook, Head Coach; assistant coaches: Steve Ideran, Ashley Barnes, Katherine Sim 

Last year's finish: Normal Community Sectional- 10th Place

Key returners: Jiana Busby (Sr), Audrey Cheney (Jr), Kaitlyn McCarthy (Jr), Mariana Ocon (Jr), Aaliyah Asbell (So), Zeah Manalodi (So), Danielle Schmidt (So), Kaylee Thatcher (So)

Newcomers: Noelle Van Denend (freshman), Paytyn Walan (sophomore)

Outlook: After finishing 10th in last year's season finale, the young Owls return six starters, only graduating Julia Burney. According to Coach Cook, "We are faster, stronger, and tougher than we were a year ago as a team, and we are excited about what this group will be able to accomplish together."

Head Coach|Coaches: Rob Harvey/Maddie Weeden, Piper Lindsay, Brian English

2025 Finish: Lake Park Sectional- 9th place 

Key Returners: Adrienne Aderhold (Sr), Arielle Friebel (Jr), Kate Jeffers (Jr), Addy Lindsay (Jr), Addison Munie (So), Shyla Paramsothy (Jr), Kate Rodakowski (Sr), Emma Yaun (So), Izzy Yaun (So), Addison Munie (So) 

Outlook: For the first time in many seasons, the Tigers failed to advance to state a season ago. This didn't sit well with Coach Harvey and his stallions. Although the Tigers start the season unranked (another new mark), it won't be long before they are clicking on all cylinders.

Leading the way will be state finalist Addy Lindsay, who placed 41st (17:31). She will be an all-state candidate and low stick runner for the team throughout the season. With continued development and a talented bunch that featured over 60 participants in its summer program, don't be surprised to see several new faces emerge. As a program policy, Coach Harvey doesn't disclose newcomers or incoming freshmen until they are settled into the program. This is his long-standing rule.

Emma Yaun, Kate Jeffers, and Shyla Parasothy are among the returners expected to contribute to the team's rise this season.

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Matt Bowden/Dillan Harness and Sarah Zarnowski

Last year's finish: Normal Community Sectional- 12th place

Key returners: Ally Dean (Sr), Carli Smith (Sr), Danity Paape (Sr), Kate Lemke (Jr), Adriana Litro (Jr), Ava Ferrucci (So), Neve McSherry (So), Penny Pinciak (So)

Newcomers: Lizzie Lemke (Jr), Anna Boersma (Fr)

Outlook: With six of the top seven returners back, the Warriors should be a much better team. "We came on strong at the end of last season," according to Coach Bowden. "Our group had solid track seasons, and we hope to build on that momentum." 

Neve McSherry and Ally Dean are the two performers back under 20:00, which is a solid benchmark to start from. Overall, the returning five has an aggregate scoring split of 38 seconds.

Head Coach: Ryan Hollister/Cindy Wagner, Jordan Lung

Last Year's Finish: Lake Park Sectional- 14th place

Key Returners: Reese Long (Jr), Miya Moraga (Jr), Cassie Gatza (Jr), Aliyah Avila (Jr), Analese Haase (Sr), Brianna Pasillas (Jr)

Newcomers: Kaelyn Kuzel, Addison Pizzolato, Jazmine Abdul-Haqq, Haley Haegendorn.

Outlook: This team was ranked at different points during last season. Unfortunately, for the Whip-purs, injuries plagued them just before competing in the deepest state sectional. This year has increased promise, as told by Coach Hollister: "This year's team has a great deal of potential and is coming off a successful track season with plenty of momentum heading into cross country. Reese Long, Miya Moraga and Cassie Gatza are three strong returning runners with significant varsity experience, and I'm especially excited to see them take on greater leadership roles within the team."

Look for newcomers from the track team to contribute, Kaelyn Kuzel and Addison Pizzolato to cross country, while freshmen Jazmine Abdul-Haqq and Haley Haegendorn could compete for varsity spots and provide some much-needed depth.

As with all teams, staying healthy will be a major priority. "Our biggest strength is our mental toughness--this is a group that embraces challenges and consistently puts in the little things necessary to improve," said Coach Hollister. "The key to our postseason success will be finding two more runners who can close the gap and run with our top three." 

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Dan Billish / KC McQuaid

Last year's finish: State Championship- 23rd place

Key returners: Ashlyn Willis (12), Faye Ferrell (12), Clare Bremner (11), Sarah Read (10, Savannah Trench (10)

Outlook: Coach Billish will have a younger roster to work with this season. But he is an experienced and confident leader, and the Red Wings will need him. Billish's ace is Ashlyn Willis, who is back and poised for a breakout season after a nagging injury limited her during the track season. Willis produced a personal 3200m (11:01) and has enjoyed an outstanding summer of training; she is capable of significant improvements this year.

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Peter Anderson, Amy Freeman, Anne-Marie Lemp

Last year's finish: St. Charles East Regional- 7th place

Key returners: Emily Offutt (Sr), June Rectenwald (Sr), Annika Carlson (Sr), Laura Roe (Jr), Sarah Farrell (Jr)

Newcomers: Aby Leadaman (Fr.), Mackenzie Lesko (Fr.), Addy Siefert (Fr)

Outlook: Led by three returning sectional qualifiers, Emily Offutt, June Rectenwald, and Annika Carlson, the Falcons look to improve on their fortunes for the 2026 campaign and return back to the state meet.

Rectenwald advanced to last year's sectional, running 17:59. She continued on during the track and season and clocked 11:34.24 in the 3200m. Coach Anderson expects her to be among the most improved runners in the state this fall. He adds: "The freshmen and the juniors will complement that senior trio well this season."

Head Coach/assistant coach: Bob LeBlanc/Bryan Musolf, Kelly McClearn

Last year's finish: Hoffman Estates Sectional- 9th place

Key returners: Jillian Lydon (So), MJ Seay (Sr), Veronica Eichmiller (Sr), Devon Greenberg (Sr)

Outlook: Nearly every coach who submits entries states their programs are ready for the season and the adventures that await them. Coach LeBlanc has been ecstatic about his troopettes: "The dedication this summer has been amazing, and we've really tried to focus on strength, endurance, and speed to set the table for a great fall season!"

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Alicia Rafferty/Jacob Bohnert, Jake Kaufman, Madison Etheridge

Last year's finish: Normal Sectional- 9th place

Key Returners: Morgan Bradley (Sr), Lindsey Sturm (So), Alivia Kath (Jr), Josie Beiler (So), Sophia Padilla (Jr), Grace Johnson (So), Lluvia Torres (Sr), Araceli Desimoni (Jr)

Newcomers: Ana Cemortan (Jr)

Outlook: The Panthers' forecast has already shown preseason dividends. Morgan Bradley showed off fitness by running 18:32 at Detweiller at Dark in late July. She is a minute faster than last year's personal best as the team's then #2 runner.

Lindsey Sturm, Alivia Kath, and Josie Beiler have had huge summers, according to Coach Rafferty. "Big mileage gains were made by all my key returners, and they are all ready for huge seasons," she adds. "What I can say in regard to my thoughts on the season is that this team can do whatever they put their mind to. They have goals, they are strong, they are powerful, and they will match that with their bravery in races." 

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Kevin Christian/Chris Keller, Michael Hanley, and Tom Smith

Last year's finish: State Championship- 19th place

Key returners: Lennox Szymonik (So), Dani Soto (So), Jamie Lakeman (Jr), Julia Felton (Jr),

Newcomers: Amisha Schlicht (Sr), Bella Hooper (Sr), Alex Zaucha (So),

Outlook: The Golden Eagles are riding a significant wave after qualifying for the state meet in three of the last five years with a new cast. However, this is the first time they have featured more than half of a state-returning team.

The standout Lennox Szymonik placed 10th, earning all-state honors in her introductory season. She continued to look awesome during the track season, running great, going 4:52.10 in the 1600m and finishing fourth in state. Szymonik has a 10:29 (3200m) on file. And most recently, she won Detweiller at Dark after only a couple of weeks of training in 16:53 and will be a top-five all-state contender this season.

Dani Soto clocked 18:25 last year and will be better this year. Her teammate Jamie Lakeman went 19:10 and has put in the best summer of all of them. Julia Felton broke out last season, going 18:47, and will hopefully get back to that mark. Coach Christian adds more to the forecast: "After that, we are looking for our next couple of runners. Amisha Schlicht qualified for state in the 4x800 and is hoping that will translate over to cross country. Our best chances are Bella Hooper, who went 12:29 in the 3200m, and Alex Zaucha, who has put in a tremendous summer with the top girls. We are hoping to be at least as good as last season."

Head Coach/assistant coach: Vince Neil/Avery Andersen

Last year's finish: Hoffman Estates Sectional-17th Place

Finish Key returners: Addison Davis (So), Julia Haacker (Jr), Hailey Romano (So), Isabella Munoz (So), Callie Pflug (Jr), Val Klassy

Newcomers: Vivienne David, Aubrey Haacker, Kacy Davis

Outlook: There is both bad and good news for the Rockets. Last year, they finished near the bottom of their sectional a year ago. That was the bad news. The good news is that there is a returning nucleus to build from. "We return a solid group of girls who work hard and are hungry to compete," indicated Coach Neil. "Although we are relatively new to class 3A, our girls are well past the transition period and ready to show they have the talent to race at the next level. Coming off a successful track season, the girls return ready to go."

Head Coach: Tim Nowicki/Jeanette Huerta

Last Year's Finish: Hoffman Estates Sectional- 15th place

Key Returners: Elena Bis (Jr), Zuzanna Nowakowski (So), Sonia Aleman (Sr), JJ Wirtz (Jr), Mikaela Huerta (Sr), Olivia Samborski (Sr)

Newcomers: Emma Sanders (Sr)

Outlook: The Grenadiers return six of our top seven runners from last year. "We aim to qualify as a team for sectionals for the third straight year," said Coach Nowicki. "This year, the goal is to once again improve on our team sectional finish and our MSL team finish from last year."

Leading the way for the Grenadiers will be Elena Bis, who earned All-Conference honors last year and qualified for state last track season in the 800m and on our 4x400 relay. Overall, after a great summer session, the team's success will depend on how much that pack improves throughout the season.

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Matt Blondell/Aislinn Hicks, Sarah Braun Acs

Last year's finish: Hinsdale Central Sectional- 9th place

Key returners: Charlotte Danahy (Jr), Lauren Quigg (Sr), Carly Ernst (Jr), Claire Lin (So), Katelyn Burke (Sr), Hannah Zei (Jr). Newcomers: Nora Goode (Jr (Downers North transfer), 19 freshmen-largest class in quite a few years

Outlook: The Redhawks were one of those teams on the cusp of being ranked heading into the start of the season. Make no mistake: they will be a dangerous squad this fall. "I am really excited about this group," remarks Coach Blondell. "We have a lot of girls returning with experience, and we also have some younger athletes who have made really good strides and are ready to contribute."

Charlotte Danahy will lead the Redhawks' cause and is ready to settle some unfinished business. Despite running 17:51, she missed the postseason. Following her will be sub-19:00 returners Hannah Zei, Laura Quigg, and Carly Ernst.

"More than anything, I've been really pleased with the way this group has embraced the work," adds Blondell. "They've been consistent in the summer; they've worked hard, and they genuinely enjoy being around each other. Our goal is to position ourselves to compete at the State Finals. I think we have the ingredients to have a really special season."

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Sierra Downey/Julia Stenger, Keya Willis, Samantha Duwe, and Ashley Raymond

Last year's finish: Lake Park Sectional- 11th place

Key returners: Emily Jones (Sr), Isabella Crowe (Sr), Eileen Easton (Jr), Reilly O'Connor (So), Rose Super (So), Loie Burwell (So). Lily Harmon (Sr)

Head Coach: Anne Marie Sampson

Last year's finish: Fox Lake (Grant)- 7th place

Key returners: Julia Garrison (Sr), Violet Young (Sr), Corinne Kalvass (Jr), Claire Rehmer (Jr), Savanna Joyce (Jr), Elsie Colin (Jr), Eliza White (Jr), Charlotte Stowe-Valdez (So), Mariana Millan (So)

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Matt Kaplan/Jason Monson, Brandy Swanson, Jimmy Jestus

Last year's finish: State Championship- 17th place

Key returners: Haley Rahman (Sr), Morgan Sauber (Sr), Isabelle Singer (Jr), Brynn Early (So), Ella Farquhar (Jr), Ellisyn Shorey (So)

Outlook: Three of the top five performers have graduated. This year's team will be led upfront by veterans Haley Rahman and Morgan Sauber. The group will need other girls to step up and fill the remaining spots to reach seven and achieve the success they have been accustomed to in the past. This team will go week to week, making gradual improvements, with the expectation of reaching peak form in the postseason.

Head Coach/coaches: Wendy Hegarty/Amy Jacobucci, Kristin Andruch

Last year's finish: State Championship- 21st place

Key returners: Olivia Launius (Sr), Kate Roberts (Sr), Emily Creech (Sr), Eliana Kaitei (Jr), Aubrey Clark (So).

Newcomer: Brooklyn Weldon (Fr) 

Outlook: This will be the final season for coach Hegarty, who has had an illustrious 26-year career. All the metrics and pundits appear to rank the Griffins as a top-25 team to start the season. Leading the charge will be defending SWSC champion Aubrey Clark, who went on to place 48th at the state meet and run a PB of 17:34. She would follow up in the spring in the mile, running a solid 5:09 and earning a state meet appearance. 

Look for a crafty veteran unit that includes Olivia Launius, Kate Roberts, and Emily Creech. The potential to be a top-15 team by season's end is a reality. Keeping the blades sharp among its southwestern Chicago suburban neighbors may be at its strongest in many years with the likes of Lincoln-Way Central, Sandburg, and several others.

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Sarah Abuelhawa/Hannah Stark, Wes Mcauley

Last year's finish: State Championship- 26th place 

Key returners: Nia Ortega (Sr.), Gianna Lamb (Sr.), Nora Maier (Jr.), Rose Jones (Sr.), Samantha Oberle (Sr.), Ashlin Burke (So.), Hannah Larkin (So.)

Newcomers: Brynn Bartkus (Fr.), Allison Forcash (Fr.)

Outlook: A new coaching era has arrived on the south side of town as longtime Hall of Famer Doug Plunkett has retired. Coach Sarah Abuelhawa was previously at Fremd and takes over a program with solid returners back in place. "I truly believe we have laid the foundation for a great season at Downers Grove South," she indicated. "We are rooted in building well-rounded athletes who are prepared not only to compete at a high level, but also to take this program to the next level. We have an exciting combination of experienced senior leadership, fantastic returning athletes, and a talented group of freshmen who are ready to make an immediate impact in Class 3A."

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Tony Pena/Janine Wilkins, Bridget Driscoll, Elizabeth Venezio

Last year's finish: State Championship- 27th Place

Key returners: Annika Trehan (Sr), Ella Giblin (Jr), Emily Sayger (Sr), Lyla Schanz (Sr)

Newcomers: Sienna Siebert, Elessa McNeill, Reese Lapka

Outlook: Most of the Eagles are back from last year's team -- including four of the top five in Annika Trehan, Ella Giblin, Emily Sayger, and Lyla Schanz. There is also a talented group of incoming freshmen, beginning with Sienna Siebert and Elessa McNeill. They are both expected to make some noise and contribute at the varsity level. 

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Stephanie Stecz/Marta Rhyner, Doug Arseneau, Peter Cashman

Last year's finish: State Championship- 18th place 

Key returners: Emily Stecky (Sr), Ella Buciak (Sr), Ryan Greeby (Jr), Abby Radich (Jr), Maura Kelly (So), Alexis Palkon (So), Lilyana Mugnaini (Sr), Grace Cashman (Sr), Grace Grohman (Sr) - 3 committed seniors who provide depth on the varsity squad

Newcomers: Chloe Milton (Fr)

Outlook: The Rams almost rolled "snake eyes" in last year's state sectional at Lake Park, grabbing the final spot to Peoria, but in the process, they lost #2 runner Abby Radich to injury. Still, the end result was a top-20 team placement. The underlying message here is that this team will be on a mission. Watch out for the impressive newcomer Chloe Milton, who tore up the middle school ranks over the past several years.

The mission to get back to Peoria and avenge things will center around ace Emily Stecky, one of the state's elite middle-distance runners. She placed 26th, missing all state honors by one spot, clocking a blistering 17:15. She will be ready to cement her legacy one final time this November. Radich is healed and back, according to Coach Stecz. "[Abby] hadn't raced since last year at sectionals, sat out track season with a nagging injury, but is healthy now and motivated to make up for her lost season."

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Tim McDonald/Matt Maletich, Bob Calder

Last year's finish: State Championship- 25th Place

Key returners: Macy Ermitage (Jr.), Gianna Modica (Sr.), Mairead Courtney (Sr.), Sophia Schlueter (Sr.), Evan Vlasic (Sr.), Olivia Morris (So.), Emma Mraz (So.)

Outlook: A string of top-10 state meet finishes was snapped last year by a disappointing outcome. To be fair, several key injuries came into play. For 2026, Coach McDonald is very optimistic: "We have had a strong summer of training, and we are excited to get the season started!"

There are six returners from the team that ran at last year's state meet, including the #1 runner, Macy Ermitage. She took third last year in a scorching 16:19. That low stick number will go a long way in the Trojans' ultimate goals, which are to improve over the course of the season and hopefully improve on last year's finish.

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Lauren DeAngelis/Becca Keenan, Jimmy Kolb, Emily Scott

Last year's finish: State Championship- 3rd place

Key returners: Karlin Janowski (Jr), Stella Rosso (Sr), Julia Weseloh (Sr), Amelia Crotty (Jr), Dehlia Bernardi (Jr), Alli Buhrfiend (Jr), Citlali Zamora-Garcia (So), Emma Schweitzer (So)

Newcomer: Elenor Berry (Fr.)

Outlook: Despite 9 of the top 14 runners returning from last year's trophy team, the Lady Dukes will have some serious work to do if they want to achieve similar success to recent years. We have had a strong, consistent summer building our team's confidence and focusing on this squad's journey," said Coach DeAngelis.

Having the defending state champion Karlin Janowski (16:10) as its trump card is a great way to start any high-caliber invitationals. Still, there is work to be done behind her. "We are stacking days and focusing on the small things that build a strong foundation," added DeAngelis. "This team is extremely close, supportive, and ready to step into the leadership roles left by our graduating seniors. Many of the girls have had strong progressions in their training and are ready to step up for the York Dukes."  

Head coach: Jorie Bartholomew

Last year's finish: Lake Park Sectional- 12th place

Key returners: Luna Pozos (So), Irma Jimenez (So), Kayleia Lindsay (So), Caitlin Wennerstrom (Jr), Melody Guzman (Jr), Maya Vodenik (Sr)

Outlook: Despite having one of the top trios in the state through most of the season, the Storm got roughed up in the classification's toughest sectional. Luna Pozos and Irma Jimenez clocked PB's of 17:14 and 17:17 during the regular season. The third runner, Kayleia Lindsay, clocked 17:48. The experience they earned will pay dividends this year. It will be a matter of finding a fifth runner to close things out and earning a trip to the state meet in November.

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Chad Hillman, Samantha Miller

Last year's finish: State Championship- 13th place 

Key returners: Avery Hacker (Sr), Gwendolyn Krodel (Sr), Claire Deppe (Sr), Halle Hillman (Jr), Sara Wolfe (Jr)

Newcomers: Devyn Korn, Emelia (Eme) Helfer, Mae Shoaf

Outlook: Last year's preseason #1 team lost a few key pieces, but they will still be a potent crew. It will start with one of the state's premier distance runners, Avery Hacker, who placed second in Peoria last year. "It will be a fun season watching this [group] grow and develop into a team," said Coach Hillman. "We return with a lot of experience and a few nice additions to our top group."

Gwendolyn Krodel, Claire Deppe, and Halle Hillman will be key supporting cast members behind Hacker. The important thing to watch here will be the development of the 2-5 scoring split. This will determine if the Lady Bulldogs are a top-15 team or one that will be fighting to return to Peoria come November.

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Neil James/Megan Meckfessel

Last year's finish: State Championship- 20th place

Key returners: Lily McCollum (So), Mae Naveira (Sr), Kiah Mix (Sr), Gwyneth Cintron (So), Kayla Kalmer (Sr), Jessica Wilzcak (Sr), Gabi Wolf (So), Gwen Wolf (Jr), Campbell Plassman (Sr)

Newcomers: Kate White (Fr), Mika Long (Fr), Amelia Ponciroli (Fr), Ella Eccher (Fr), Sydni Faver (Fr)

Outlook: "We have a strong group of returners in addition to a dedicated freshman class," said Coach James. "I expect us to have a strong season and really improve as the season goes along." This team has a great blend of experience and youthful enthusiasm. 

There are three starters under 19:00 among the five who competed in the state championship. Lily McCollum placed 65th overall with a time of 17:45. She will be battling for all state honors while her teammates look to close the scoring split.

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Dan Iverson/Matt Sniadecki, Jen Weigand, Matt Blanco, Meghan Donovan

Last year's finish: State Championship- 15th place

Key returners: Chloe Piot (Sr), Sophia Schulz (Sr), Georgia Karstens (Jr), Kathryn Rohr (Jr), Elliana White (Sr), Lorelai Garlough (Jr), Clara Reckamp (Jr), Alex Pobozny (Jr)

Newcomers: Charlie Crannell, Anna Buresh, Paige Cupp

Outlook: The Huskies will be a team to watch this season despite their lower-than-normal preseason ranking. "We have had a great summer and are currently reasonably healthy," states Coach Iverson. "We have a really good freshman class, so we are optimistic that we are ready for an excellent year ahead." So it appears optimism is in the air, especially for the future years to come. For this year, staying afloat with an upperclassmen cast led by Chloe Piot, who placed 53rd in the state a year ago. Adds Iverson: "We realize we have a lot of work ahead of us, but we are excited about the opportunity to grow throughout the year and achieve our very best."

Head Coach/assistant coach: Jeff Downing/Kathleen Durkin

Last year's finish: State Championship- 22nd place

Key Returners: Tessie Bradley (Sr), Emma Fuentes (Jr), Bea Conroy (Jr), Abby Seurynck (Jr), Avery Udzielak (Jr), Lilly Handley (Sr), Audrey Frey

Outlook: Coach Downing is a bit modest in his assessment of his team's strength. "We hope to be successful as a team," he indicated. "Having more experience this season with all of our major contributors from last year back, we hope to make another trip to Detweiller in November and improve on our finish from a year ago." In addition, he returns all seven starters and 13 of 14 state roster spots. This is the deepest squad in the state.

Tessie Bradley returns back as one of the top runners in the state, running 17:09 and placing 19th in Peoria to earn all-state honors. To follow things up in the spring, she clocked a lifetime best in the 3200m (10:37.20) to place 8th and garner all-state honors.