Head Coach/assistant coaches: Matt Haffner, Giovanni Sira, Mahalia Gilot, Christine Mayeaux

Last year's finish: State Championship- 6th place

Key returners: Allison Shutler (Jr), Elle Sheaffer (Sr), Greta Sheaffer (Jr), Gabby Wrobel (Jr), Aurora Steinhofer (Jr), Molly Malloy (So), Fiona Connelly (Jr)

Newcomers: Berrit Shure (So)

Outlook: There will be some notable changes for the Wolfpack this season. First, long-time ace Annika Swan has graduated and taken her talent to Wake Forest University. Secondly, Coach Haffner's squad will be a part of the newly combined GCAC, which now includes seven teams previously in the East Suburban Catholic Conference. His team will be among the favorites for another league title in October.

Head Coach: Kevin Gummerson/Matthew Clark, Leslie Hencinski, Jessica Hopkins, Dan Schalk, Matt Thomas, Ashley Tutt

Last year's finish: State Championship-16th place 

Key returners: Natalie Nahs (Sr), Leah Kleckauskas (Sr), Paige Joachim (Sr), Clara Getsoian (Jr), Carolina Jorge (Jr), Ellie Porath (So), Kimora Rodely (Sr), Natalie Andres (Sr), Madylyn Hawker (Jr), Chelsi Heyob (So)

Outlook: The future is certainly bright for the Indians who have a boatload of solid freshmen to look forward to. "I am really looking forward to this year's team," said Coach Gummerson. "Natalie Nahs is a returning all-state runner (18th) and is coming off a very strong track season in which she finished sixth in the state in the 800m."

The Indians saw tremendous growth during the spring from the likes of Ellie Porath, Clara Getsoian, and Paige Joachim. "This group has used that excitement to attack the summer and was really pleased with the progress we have made," added Gummerson. 

Head Coach/assistant coach: Shari Hayes/Christina Flauter

Last year's finish: Lake Park Sectional- 13th place

Key returners: Kara Glenn (Jr), Julia Rodney (Sr), Gwen Hobson (Sr), Alyssa Oblak (Sr), Brooklyn Thompson (Jr). Newcomers: Mila Reese (Fr) 

Outlook by Coach Hayes: The 2026 Girls Cross Country team returns most of our varsity lineup from last season, giving us a strong foundation and a lot to be excited about heading into the new season. Our goal is to continue improving throughout the year and put ourselves in a position to qualify for the State Meet as a team. With the work our athletes have put in this summer, I believe we have the potential to have a very special season. 

Gwen Hobson returns after an outstanding 2025 season in which she placed 13th at the State Meet. Gwen followed that performance with an exceptional track season, and she comes into cross country ready to build on that success. Her experience, competitiveness, and leadership will be extremely important to our team. 

Kara Glenn is also coming off an outstanding track season. She looks fitter and more determined than ever, and I am excited to see what she can accomplish this fall. Kara has continued to put in the work, and I expect her to be among the very best at the state championship. 

After missing last cross country season due to injury, Julia Rodney returns healthy and ready to compete. Julia had an outstanding track season and has put in the work to position herself to be one of the top runners on our team this year. Having her back in the lineup is a huge boost for our program. 

Alyssa Oblak is looking great early in the season, and I am hoping this is her best cross country season yet. I have already seen significant improvement from Alyssa, and her continued development will be important to our team's success. 

Rounding out our varsity group will be Brooklyn Thompson, Eden Custer, Izzy McGill, and Kiley Doran. All four athletes have worked hard throughout the summer, and that preparation should translate into improved times and stronger performances this season. Their development and consistency will be critical as we work toward our team goals. 

With so much experience returning and a group of athletes who are hungry to improve, we are excited about what this season could bring. Our biggest priority will be to stay healthy, continue working hard, and improve every week. If we can do that, I believe we have a legitimate opportunity to accomplish our goal of qualifying for the State Meet as a team. 

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Andy Derks/Roxanne Hall, Emilie Hatzl, Kyle Bender, Emily Brodko

Last year's finish: State Championship- 14th place

Key returners: Marlie Czarniewski (Sr), Laurel Eager (So), Olivia Eager (So), Ayla Czarniewski (Sr), Kate Beavers (So), Ireland Hockman (Sr), Megan Morris (Sr), Presley Hartzold (Jr), Aven Thomas (Jr), Peach Santini (Jr), Audrey Maresca (So)

Newcomers: Serena Eggert (Fr)

Outlook: Coach Derks firmly believes his team will be better than last year's solid run. "This is a team on a mission," he asserts. "We have left the past few state meets unsatisfied, so we will change that this year. They have put in a super consistent summer, and I have seen many of our top runners elevate so far. They aren't afraid to put themselves out there and set high goals."

Marlie Czarniewski is the leader who has proven herself at the state elite level, moving as a team player on the low stick. Last year, she placed 9th at the state meet with a time of 16:51. After a tremendous track season (5th- 3200m at state), Czarniewski gives us a great front runner, and she is at a new level of fitness compared to last year and has just really turned into a great overall leader both on the course and culturally, according to Derks.

The Tigers have a formidable quartet that runs under 55 seconds, making them a strong pack. Kate Beavers, Laurel Eager, and Ayla Czarniewski will be the strength of this team. Derks: "I'm really proud of these girls and excited to see them run this season with confidence, boldness, and curiosity."

Head Coach/assistant coaches: John Burnside/Kate Goodman

Last year's finish: State Championship- 11th place

Key returners: Miriam Eynon (So), Jillian Crane (So), Kayla Ritchie (Sr), Alexis Andrus (Jr), Margaret Canmann (Sr), Grace Murphy (Sr).

Newcomers: Bryn Burkamper, Reid Bertram, Alice Frick, Emma Denfeld. 

Outlook: Summer time training was very good for a young but experienced Trevians squad, with two of their top seven being sophomores. Top runner Mimi Eynon surprised the world when she placed 16th (17:03 PB) at the state meet a year ago. Eynon does not run track, though; she is an excellent soccer player in the spring.

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Ryan Stapinski/Becky Cherry, Brian Mulford, Cara Anderson

Last year's finish: State Championship- 12th place

Key returners: Mia Forystek (Sr), Brea Counihan (Sr), Jillian Davies (Sr), Keira Faxel (Jr), Grace Mathis (Jr), Ana Dal Ponte (Jr), Katie Petrosky (Sr)

Newcomers: Nicole Demma, Ava Zartler, Ellie Hoff, Laney Hoff, Frances Maynard.

Outlook: Five of the seven are back from a team that produced a banner season a year ago, placing 12th in the state championship standings. The Knights are one of six returning squads with at least four returners under 18:00. Mia Forystek is back after producing an amazing track season in which she placed third in the 800m (2:09.17) and 4:52 in the 1600m. She will be especially lit after narrowly missing all state honors in cross country.

"I believe we can build on last year's best-ever team finish at state by following it up with a top-five finish [this fall]," said Coach Stapinski. "We have a great group that genuinely wants each girl around her to succeed. We have a lot of depth and 33 runners working hard to improve and enjoy the experience. It's a special group and has been a really fun summer." 

Head Coach/coach: George Partrylak/Nick Whiteside, Coach Keller

Last year's finish: State Championship- 8th Place

Key returners: Morgan Popelar (Jr), MacKenna Kerpan (So), Ella Thompson (Sr), Willow Jackson (Jr), Reagan Jumper (Jr), Ginny Siejka (So), Ava Horsfall (Sr), Cara Kielty (Jr), Jillian Suhre (Jr), Evie Bristow

Outlook: The Tigers bring back another talented group poised to be a repeat top-10 unit this fall. Six of the top seven are back. "This is a talented group," introduces Coach Partrylak. "I would not be surprised if some of the fringe athletes work their way into our top seven throughout the season. If we can avoid injury, I think our top three is set. Morgan Popelar and MacKenna Kerpan had breakout track seasons, both qualifying for the 3200m on time. Although Ella Thompson played soccer, she will be with Morgan and MacKenna."

Head Coach/coach: Paul Hass/Mark Staron, Kelly Hass

Last year's finish: State Championship- 10th place

Key returners: Shayne Dietzen (Jr), senior Lauren Bennett (Sr), junior Katie King (Jr), junior Alyssa Novak (Jr), senior Addie Nordman (Sr), senior Nora Janninck (Sr).

Newcomers: Molly Mocko (fr.)

Outlook: The Hilltoppers graduated one of the best runners in its history with Alexa Novak, who is now at the University of Wisconsin. She will be a tall order to replace, so the reliance on a fleet of experienced returners will be the move. "However, with many returnees from last year's state series team and the promise of new additions, we hope to be competitive in our invitationals, the always tough West Suburban Silver Conference, and the State Series," said Coach Paul Hass. "Overall, many of the girls had a good attendance record at our summer camp and, consequently, attained a healthy amount of mileage in the past few months. Some of the girls started their conditioning a little later with a delayed season break after track due to early summer track meets as well as one too many health concerns."

Head Coach/Coaches: Kris Roof/Laura McKnight, Tatiana Moten, Aaron Lai, Nicholas Skorin

Last year's finish: State Championship- 9th place

Key Returners: Sienna O'Malley (So.), Ainsley Carter (Sr.), Amy Herzog (Jr.), Guadalupe Lopez (So.), Samantha Borg-Breen (Jr.), Antonina Leary (Jr.), Emma Siegrist (So.), Hailey Skowlund (Jr.), Gabrielle Stalley (Sr.), Kaila Burns (Jr.), Gillian Katz (Sr.), Josephine Zupko (Jr.), Emma Wojcik (Jr.), Kate Siffring (Sr.)

Newcomers: Isabella Chapin (Jr.), Emily Melo (Fr.) 

Outlook: The Champions advance to the state meet for the first time since the IHSA moved to three classes in 2008. The result was a 9th-place finish, the best in school and CPL history. As good as that was, the team is uber-talented and poised to make a run for a top-five or even a trophy finish this fall. Everything appears to be in place with six of the top seven back and sporting a 38-second scoring split on paper. 

Ainsley Carter returns as the team's overall top runner based on an outstanding track season in which she nabbed two all-state honors (4x800 relay, 1600). Though she placed 58th at state last year (17:39), her confidence is at an all-time high (ran 10:51.10i), with renewed improvements in leg speed and endurance. She will be a serious contender for all-state honors in November.

Sienna O'Malley produced the team's top harrier mark and placement at state, running 17:24 and placing 47th. A minor injury setback appears to be behind her, and it's now time to go for the sweepstakes that's out there.

The sporting cast includes members of the third-place state 4x800 (Nina Leary, Amy Herzog, Sam Borg-Breen, Kaila Burns) as well as up-and-comers Guadalupe Lopez and Isabella Chaplin. Also, look for talented incoming freshman Emily Melo to bid for a spot in the top seven.

Head Coach/Coaches: Mark McCabe / Courtney Wallace, Maura Passagia

Last Year's Finish: State Championship- 7th place

Key Returners: Ella Satre (Sr.), Morgan Kohn (Sr.), Ally Furey (Sr.), Lucy McCormick (Sr.), Marin Backus (Jr.), Kate Lowe (So.), Evelyn Skay (Sr.)

Key Additions: Rory Sullivan (Fr.)

Outlook: Last year's strong finish appears to be a surprise for many, but for the Hall of Fame coach Mark McCabe, it looks different. "We will have a veteran team this year, with four of our projected top six being seniors," he said. "Those seniors bring a great deal of experience, as well as quality leadership to the table."

Leading the charge will be Ella Satre (12th state/16:59) and Morgan Kohn (34th/17:25). Ally Furey, Lucy McCormick, and Marin Backus add depth.

The Red Devilettes should make it out of the rugged WSC Silver Division with sharpened blades. This will factor in them fighting for one of the three state trophies in November.

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Travis Shepherd; Jeff Morello

Last year's finish: State Championship- 5th place

Key returners: Chloe Wettstein (So), Celia Blaylock (Sr), Karolina Borg (Jr), Patricia Johnson (Jr), Abigail Kocher (So), Avery Muhr (Sr), Riley Pitchford (Sr), Anja Wiersum (Sr)

Newcomers: Colette Deignan, Riley Muhr, Elliana Sanchez, Sarah Vance, Zoey Waksmundzki

Outlook: New coach Travis Shepherd inherits a program that returns five starters under 18:00. He moves in from Lakes HS, where he was an excellent coach. He is now ready to build the Bears into his own mold. "After last November--finishing 5th in the state and carrying that energy into an All-State sub-9:10 4x800m relay this spring--our program is coming into this season with a tremendous amount of purpose," said Shepherd. "The defining factor for us this year is experience and continuity: we return our entire top five, but more importantly, the group has evolved in how they approach the daily grind."

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Pete Wintermute; Ian Arms, Ryan Hopper, Brittany Damerjian, Sarah Harden

Last year's finish: State Runner-Up

Key returners: Adelaide Galla (So), Caitlin Resac (So), Brooklyn Stocking (So), Juliana Mihalopoulos (So), Samantha Lobacz (Jr), Allison Kalkwarf (Jr), Kaitlin Miazga (Jr), Ella Samlan (Sr)

Newcomers: Milly Kronforst (Fr), Kaylee Leone (Fr), Juliana Kosiba (Fr), Charlotte Koziol (Fr), Loretta Cox (Fr), Makena Ambrose (fr).

Outlook: The Knights are a deeper, more experienced team than they were a year ago, despite losing a longtime superstar, Meg Peterson, to graduation, according to Coach Wintermute. "The freshmen are now sophomores and ready to make their move, and the junior class made some huge improvements in the spring," he said. Adelaide Galla is one of the talented underclassmen that he is referring to. Galla copped all-state honors with a 24th-place finish in 17:13.

The bright future continues with Brooklyn Stocking, Caitlin Resac, and Juliana Mihalopoulos. Wintermute adds: "The focus is on developing the team's depth and stringing together good weeks."

Head Coach/assistant coaches: Mikayla Olsen/Aileen White

Last year's finish: State Championship- 4th place

Key returners: Alexa Izenstark (Sr), "Ola" Alexandra Kopacz, Sofia Donner (Sr), Graceleen Mabry (So), Martyna Makowski (Sr), Clara Vincent (So), Jojo Messer (Jr).

Newcomers: Maddie Serur, "GuGu" Gianna Suvada (Fr)

Outlook: The Huskies enjoyed a banner season a year ago, just missing out on a trophy. Part of their yin and yang has been competing day in and day out in one of the deepest conferences in the country, the Mid-Suburban League (MSL). It is quite possible that the Huskies could finish third in their league and still earn a state trophy! Top-ranked Barrington and perennial power Prospect will be standing in their path every weekend. Iron sharpens iron, as they say. The Huskies are back and ready for a great fall.

All-state starter Graceleen Mabry will lead the charge; she is the ultimate lowstick needed. Following her are four other sub-18:00 returners: Alexa Izenstark, JoJo Messer, Clara Vincent, and Ola Kopacz. The returning scoring split is 47 seconds. This will be crucial when facing the top teams in crunch time. Adding to the mix is GuGu Suvada, who was one of the top middle school runners over the past several seasons.