2025 Cross Country Previews: 2A Girls Ranked

Here we are with the 2A Girls Ranked Teams article, highlighting the top 25 teams the classification has to offer. This looks to be another exciting year for 2A, with plenty of talent across the board. Several top teams from last year have moved up to 3A, creating new opportunities and shifting the competitive landscape.

1. Chatham (Glenwood)

Coaches: Mike Garber / Lindsay Cook, John McElmeel

Last Year's Finish: 3rd @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Ali Londrigan (Jr.), Ashlyn Chopra (Sr.), Sophie Rentmeister (Jr.), Ali Broaddus (So.), Brenna Sloman (Jr.), Addie Hamrick (Jr.), Keira Gorrie (So.), Grace Atkinson (So.), Michelle Park (So.)

Key Newcomers: Hadley Sloman (Fr.)

Unexpected Losses: Ally Knudsen (Jr.)

Outlook: The Titans are looking to reclaim their spot at the top of the 3A podium after finishing third in 2024. They were state champions in 2023, and with four of their top five runners returning, they are poised for another strong run. Leading the way will be Ali Londrigan, who had an incredible breakout track season. She will be many people's preseason favorite to win the individual title after clocking 4:52 in the 1600m and 10:40 in the 3200m. Ashlyn Chopra will be the squad’s second runner following an impressive track campaign where she ran 5:07 in the 1600m and 11:03 in the 3200m. Chopra could very well finish as a top-10 runner in the classification this year. Behind her will be the duo of Ali Broaddus and Sophie Rentmeister, both of whom are capable of challenging the 18:00 barrier. Brenna Sloman, who ran 18:19 as a freshman, will look to return to sub-19:00 form this fall as the Titans aim for another podium finish. Coach Garber stated, "Ali Londrigan had some serious health issues that started at Regionals last year and stayed with her throughout the postseason. It reflected in her times and finishes. She is back to 100% and if track season showed anything, she is ready to set the course on fire. Ashlyn Chopra was an All-State finisher for the second season in a row last year and made some major steps forward during track. Watch for her this fall. Sophie Rentmeister and Ali Broaddus both had great seasons and have used the Spring and Summer to continue their growth. Sophie's 2:16 in the 800 was always coming during track, she is ready to build on that and have a breakout year. Ali's sub 18 performance at the end of last cross country season was just the beginning. She is in for a massive fall. Brenna Sloman is looking great this summer and really working to be one of our best athletes this fall. Addie Hamrick is healthy after a Spring injury that sat her out of most of the track season. I'm excited to get her back in the varsity lineup. We have a lot of kids working hard over summer and meeting up to run. I'm really looking forward to what they can do this fall."

2. Normal Community West

Coaches: Greg Rogers

Last Year's Finish: 9th @ 3A Normal Community Sectional

Key Returners: Renee Warren (Sr.), Julie Bach (Sr.), Amanda Warren (Sr.), Abigail Jackson (Jr.), Kylie Zimmerman (Jr.), Makayla Jackson (Sr.), Rachel Russell (So.)

Key Newcomers: Chloe Layman (Fr.)

Outlook: The Wildcats move down from 3A back to 2A this season and will also see a change at the helm, as former EIU runner Greg Rogers takes over as head coach. This squad could feature two all-state runners in Renee Warren and Julie Bach. Warren will likely be competing for a top-10 finish after a strong track season where she ran 10:55 in the 3200m. Bach will also be in contention for a top-15 spot after posting an 11:17 in the same event. Amanda Warren is expected to return as the team’s third runner after running 18:19 for 3 miles last fall. Abigail Jackson was one of the top 400m runners in the state this past spring, clocking 56.3 at sectionals. She also ran 2:18 in the 800m. If she can build up her endurance by the end of the season, she has the potential to run in the low 18:00s for 3 miles. Freshman Chloe Layman is expected to round out the scoring five. She had an impressive 8th-grade season, running 5:42 in the 1600m and 12:26 in the 2-mile. With continued development, she could potentially break 19:00 this year.

3. Washington

Coaches: Troy Walcott / Katie Petravick

Last Year's Finish: 6th @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Sophia Ramirez (Sr.), Jayne Hermann (Sr.), Maddie James (Sr.), Caylie Ahten (Sr.), Bailey Butler (Sr.), Elizabeth Peterson (Jr.), Sofia Carrillo (Jr.), Addie Hooste (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Quinn Juergens (Fr.), Sophia Bohanan (Fr.)

Outlook: The Panthers may be entering their final year before a team rebuild, and they’ll look to make the most of this senior-heavy lineup. This talented group is led by Sophia Ramirez, who has been the team’s superstar over the past three years. She had a strong track season, running 5:06 in the 1600m, and will aim to finish as a top-10 runner in the classification this year. Caylie Ahten had a phenomenal track campaign as well, clocking 11:45 in the 3200m, and will likely be the team’s second runner. Jayne Hermann missed most of the 2024 XC season due to injury, but she appears to be back and ready to compete. She could slot in as the team’s second or third runner this fall. Maddie James had an excellent 2024 XC season, running 18:44, and is expected to dip into the low to mid-18:00s this year. The squad’s fifth scoring spot will likely come down to Bailey Butler or Quinn Juergens. Butler ran 19:06 last fall and will be eyeing a breakthrough under the 19:00 barrier. Juergens is a phenomenal freshman who ran 12:31 in the 2-mile during middle school. Coach Walcott stated, "We have had a good size group show up for summer workouts.  Some of our top girls are running with the boys during workouts.  I think that they'll be pleased at their improvement when competition starts.  They have done some decent tempo and time trials to give them a sense as to where they're at. We would like to improve from last years result.  We have a big group of Seniors who would like to end their High School XC career on a high note."

4. Wheaton (St. Francis)

Coaches: Jason Accardi

Last Year's Finish: 9th @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Erin Hinsdale (Jr.), Elena Mamminga (Jr.), Margaret Andrzejewski (Sr.), Ashley Spahn (Sr.), Siena Schwan (Sr.), Jessica Lankisch (Sr.), Amelia Whitacre (Sr.)

Outlook: This squad returns everyone from last year’s 9th-place team, and 2025 could be their final shot at a high-level run, with five of their projected top seven graduating after the season. The Spartans will be led by the formidable trio of Elena Mamminga, Margaret Andrzejewski, and Erin Hinsdale. All three runners have the potential to break 17:00 this fall. Mamminga ran 10:46 this past spring and is poised for a standout cross country season. Andrzejewski clocked a sub-5:00 1600m indoors with a 4:58 performance. Hinsdale was the team’s top finisher at the state meet last year and posted a 17:01 for 3 miles. She followed it up with an excellent track season, running 2:12 in the 800m and 5:05 in the 1600m. Ashley Spahn will once again serve as the team’s fourth runner after running 12:22 in the 3200m this spring. She will likely be in the low 19:00s. The fifth scoring spot will likely come down to Siena Schwan or Jessica Lankisch. One of them will need to be in the mid 19:00s if this team hopes to bring home a trophy this season.

5. Normal University

Coaches: Jill Burroughs

Last Year's Finish: 7th @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Natalie Bierbaum (Sr.), Lana Alcorn (Sr.), Nora Bloebaum (So.), Leya Alcorn (So.), Tessa Ritter (Sr.), Josie Wamsley (Jr.), Jocelyn Lewis (Jr.), Abigail Stenger (So.)

Outlook: The Pioneers are entering a new era following the graduation of standout Zoe Carter. This year, the team will be led by Natalie Bierbaum, who missed the outdoor track season due to injury. She ran 17:09 at last year’s state meet, placing 7th overall. Leya and Lana Alcorn will serve as the team’s second and third runners. Leya had a terrific track season, clocking 5:30 in the 1600m, while Lana broke 19:00 last fall. Both are expected to be in the mid-19:00 range this season. Nora Bloebaum will likely return as the team’s fourth runner after holding that role last year. She has the potential to dip under 19:00. Tessa Ritter rounds out the projected top five after running 19:27 last fall.

6. Arlington Heights (St. Viator)

Coaches: William Stanczak / Michael Olayos, Nicholas Fratto

Last Year's Finish: 21st @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Emily Walberg (Sr.), Allie Long (Sr.), Jada Baer (Sr.), Camila Fuentes (Jr.), Grace Van Fossen (Sr.), Izabella Mazurkiewicz (Sr.), Yuliana Manzanares (So.)

Key Newcomers: Isabella Renguso (Jr.), Biranna Klokkenga (Fr.), Marin Janiak (Fr.), Catherine Hertman (Sr.)

Unexpected Loss: Maddie Long (So.)

Outlook: The Lions will enter this year with plenty of intrigue, thanks to a few key additions to their cross country squad. They will be led by Emily Wahlberg, a potential all-state runner who clocked 5:16 in the 1600m this spring. Isabella Renguso and Allie Long will serve as the team’s second and third runners. Renguso is a mid-year transfer from Wauconda and brings a 5:36 1600m mark to the team. Long ran 18:38 at the State Meet last fall and will be aiming for the low 18:00s this season. Jada Baer, the team’s fourth runner last year, is expected to hold that same position again. The key to the team’s success will lie in the development of freshmen Brianna Klokkenga and Marin Janiak. If both can run in the mid-19:00s, this squad could be a lock for a top 10 finish in the classification. Coach Stanczak stated, “Coaches are always looking ahead and finding the best-case scenarios for the team, but I think I can confidently say that this will be the strongest women’s team that Saint Viator has ever assembled. The summer workouts are being met with enthusiasm and vigor. The seniors seem laser-focused on bettering last year’s impressive accomplishments—five first-place finishes, second in the ESCC, second at the Grayslake Regional, and 21st at State—and the underclassmen want to be part of that. We’re working to keep the girls focused on getting their miles in now so that we can start strong on the first day of the season and improve daily. It will take diligence and effort to overcome the Carmel and Benet teams, but as long as we stay healthy, I think we’ll make some noise in the ESCC and the state series.”

7. Grayslake Central

Coaches: Jimmy Centella / Colleen Wire, Greg Lannoye, Seth Graf, Kate Cavanaugh

Last Year's Finish: 14th @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Violet Rowe (Sr.), Jordan Sutter (Sr.), Safiya Kane (So.), Ava Pietruszynski (Sr.), Ellie Chevrier (Sr.), Addison Messinger (Sr.), Emma Tonkery (Sr.), Brynn Domier (Sr.), Jenna Dunn (Jr.), Sydney Hawn (Jr.)

Unexpected Losses: Ava Henne (Sr.)

Outlook: This group enters the season with a lot of intrigue following their 2024 cross country campaign. Violet Rowe and Jordan Sutter are expected to be the leaders of this team now. Rowe posted an 18:20 at the Lakes Sunset meet last year and had a strong track season, running 5:22 in the 1600m. Sutter missed the state meet last fall due to a stress fracture but bounced back in the spring with a 5:23 1600m, showing she's on a whole new level now. Safiya Kane and Ava Pietruszynski will be part of the team’s scoring five. Both runners will need to dip under 19:00 if this squad hopes to contend for a top 5 finish. Ellie Chevrier ran great at the start of last year and will be this squads fifth runner this year. Coach Centella stated, "Violet Rowe is a senior leader with a laser focus.  All-state is a goal that I know she has.  Safiya Kane is a super sophomore with lots of potential and gels with the other seniors on varsity. Jordan Sutter is a senior leader with lots of experience.  Ava Pietruszynski could be ready for a major jump this fall.  Addie Messinger is a super hard worker and along with Ellie Chevrier's big heart and team spirit those two should round out our top 6. Brynn Domier is a senior leader with big meet experience that could round out the top 7.  The same can be said for Emma Tonkery."

8. Mahomet-Seymour

Coaches: Jama Grotelueschen / Kacie Moran

Last Year's Finish: 20th @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Emily Anand (Sr.), Taylor Mills (Jr.), Cecily Smith (So.), Kennedy Ashby (So.), Finley Smith (So.), Jinan Abdo (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Paige Jansen (Fr.), Katelyn Waisath (Fr.), Ava Cvengros (Fr.), Anniston Huff (Jr.), Jaci Kellenberger (Jr.), Emma Dewitt (Fr.), Rilynn Nelson (Fr.)

Outlook: The Bulldogs appear poised for a breakout season, thanks in large part to some key new additions. Leading the way will be Emily Anand, who had an excellent 2025 track season, running 11:23 in the 3200m. That performance puts her firmly in the conversation for an all-state finish this fall. Cecily Smith, Taylor Mills, and Paige Jansen will form a strong supporting pack behind Anand. Smith and Mills are already established sub-19:00 runners, while Jansen, a promising freshman, enters high school with impressive credentials—running 5:38 in the 1600m and 12:16 in the 2-mile in middle school. Kennedy Ashby looks to be the third runner for this squad. Coach Grotelueschen stated, "We have the largest team in school history with varying ability levels.  We want to keep everyone engaged and working towards their best. With a larger group and many competing for one of the seven varsity positions, by working together, I believe this team will raise the bar."

9. Rochester

Coaches: Bill Owens

Last Year's Finish: 5th @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Ashley Zeibert (Sr.), Natalie Nichols (Sr.), Calista Gardner (So.), Talia Daniels (So.), Charlotte Long (So.), Myra Gibson (Sr.), Amara Kaeding (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Sophia Dunn (Fr.)

Outlook: The Rockets enter the 2025 season with plenty of intrigue, as much of their roster is made up of talented sophomores. Leading the way will be Ashley Zeibert and Natalie Nichols, who finished neck and neck at last November’s state meet. Zeibert had a strong track season, clocking 5:17 in the 1600m and 11:31 in the 3200m, positioning herself as a potential top-tier runner this fall. Calista Gardner returns as the squad’s third runner after running 18:59 for three miles last season. Talia Daniels is expected to step up as the team’s fourth runner, with potential to dip into the low 19:00s. Charlotte Long rounds out the scoring five with a PR of 20:00. For the Rockets to crack the top five in the state, they'll need Long to move into the mid-19:00 range by season’s end.

10. Bloomington

Coaches: Veronica Grundman / Brandon Thornton, Rob Barkulis

Last Year's Finish: 15th @ 3A Normal Community Sectional

Key Returners: Alexandra Noonan (Sr.), Josie Skeate (Jr.), Kylie Huffaker (Jr.), Abigail Noonan (Sr.), Mae Jones (Sr.), Penny Johnson (So.) Morgan Hart (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Lorelei Hulsing (Fr.), Ali Huffaker (Fr.)

Outlook: This group will be led up front by two veterans, Josie Skeate and Alex Noonan, both of whom will be aiming for the low 18:00s this fall. Skeate was the team’s top runner last year and had a solid track season, clocking 11:46 in the 3200m. However, the team’s top performer this year may very well be freshman Lorelei Hulsing, who had an outstanding middle school career with times of 5:22 in the 1600m and 11:46 in the 2 Mile. Don’t be surprised if Hulsing breaks the 18:00 barrier this season. The fourth spot will likely go to another talented freshman, Ali Huffaker, who ran 5:45 in the 1600m during middle school. She should be in the low to mid 19:00s range this fall. Rounding out the scoring five will be her older sister, Kylie Huffaker, who ran 20:00 last season and will look to improve on that mark this year. Coach Grundman stated, "Both Alex Noonan and Josie Skeate have been putting in tons of mileage, and working hard at being great leaders amongst the girls. Our two incoming freshmen, Lorelei and Ali have been consistent at conditioning and adapting to the changes from junior high to high school. Junior, Morgan Hart has been grinding all summer and hit a time trial PR!"

11. Crystal Lake Central

Coaches: Brett Willhoit

Last Year's Finish: 12th @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Skyler Ferrero (Jr.), Jacqueline Orvis (Sr.), Gwen Kidd (Sr.), Yaretzi Leon (So.), Sophia Parks (Jr.), Lauren Peyer (Sr.), Avery Watson (So.)

Key Newcomers: Alexandria Hannell (Fr.), Lillian Shade (Fr.)

Outlook: This will be an extremely interesting squad to watch throughout the year. They will likely be led up front by Skyler Ferrero, who ran 18:54 last year and will be aiming for the mid-18:00s this fall. Another potential frontrunner is freshman Alexandria Hannell, who ran an impressive 5:22 in the 1600m during middle school. However, she splits time with club soccer in the fall, which could affect her training. If she’s able to get in enough running, she has the potential to dip into the low 18:00s. Jacqueline Orvis was just over the 19:00 barrier last year, running 19:01. She’ll be looking to break that mark for the first time this season. Rounding out the scoring lineup will be Gwen Kidd and Yaretzi Leon, both of whom will be aiming to challenge the 19:00 barrier as well. Coach Willhoit stated, “This year has been a transition year, and we lost two great runners and leaders in Hadley Ferrero and Brynn Matthaei. But our new group of senior leaders has stepped up to the challenge with a quality summer of work. We have five varsity runners returning and could potentially see some freshmen make an impact on the squad. It will be another very competitive year on the girls’ side in the Fox Valley Conference and the 2A Kaneland Sectional. We hope to be up to the challenge.”

12. Crystal Lake South

Coaches: Ken Greenfield / Matt Dunker

Last Year's Finish: 8th @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Caroline Lucas (So.), Laynie Ripley (Sr.), Kiera O’Leary (So.), Cece Piemontese (Jr.), Lily Brooks (Jr.), Emme Reall (So.), Reagan Marsett (So.), Kelsey Kos (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Annalee Aarseth (Jr.), Abby Magadan (Fr.)

Outlook: The Gators have been on a strong run over the past few years and will look to continue that momentum this season. They will be led by potential all-staters Caroline Lucas and Laynie Ripley. Lucas placed 34th at the State Meet last fall with a time of 18:08. Ripley was the team’s fourth runner last year, clocking 18:27 at the State Meet. She also ran 5:23 in the 1600m during the track season—a significant improvement. Annalee Aarseth will compete in her first cross country season after an impressive track debut, where she ran 5:45 in the 1600m. She could surprise some people this fall and potentially break 19:00. Kiera O'Leary and Cecilia Piemontese, both of whom ran at the State Meet last year, are projected to be the team’s fourth and fifth runners. They will likely be in the low to mid-19:00s. Coach Greenfield stated, “The two main themes that emerged during our goal-setting were competing at a high level—including qualifying for state and performing well there—and forming a close-knit, encouraging team culture. I’m encouraged by that. I firmly believe that team success in XC is highly dependent on being willing to push through your pain for the sake of your teammates, especially when you might otherwise quit on yourself. And in order for that to happen, you have to be connected.”

13. Mt. Zion

Coaches: Kelly Fox

Last Year's Finish: 8th @ 2A Olney (Richland County) Sectional

Key Returners: Avery Sommer (Sr.), Elena Coon (So.), Lola Maldonado (Jr.), Adalyn Patterson (So.), Sandra Munoz (So.), Ruby Baker (So.)

Key Newcomers: Ellie Jones (Fr.), Georgia Sullivan (Fr.), Elsie Mavis (Fr.), Zoe Heitz (Fr.), Olivia Jaeger (Fr.)

Outlook: The Braves had a down year in 2024 compared to previous seasons. Avery Sommer will be the leader of this group after a phenomenial track season that saw her run 5:05 in the 1600m. She will be an all-stater this november likely. Ellie Jones and Elena Coon will be the second and third runners for this squad. Jones is an incoming freshman that was great at the middle school level running 12:13 for 2 miles. That got her 7th at the IESA 3A XC State Meet. Coon ran great as a freshman last fall as she ran 19:07 for the 3 mile. Both of these athletes could go under 19:00 this year. Lola Maldonado looks to be this groups forth runner after making massive strides during the spring. She ran 5:42 in the 1600m which means you will likely see her run something in the low 19:00s this year. Expect either Adalyn Patterson or Sandra Munoz to be this squads fifth runner this year.

14. Deerfield

Coaches: Jeff Beaumont / Lisa Amstutz, Monica Fairman

Last Year's Finish: 8th @ 3A Glenbrook South Regional

Key Returners: Azalea Modes (Jr.), Audrey Dickerson (Jr.), Stella Martin (Jr.), Maddie Geres (Jr), Olivia Brown (Sr.), Natalia Arevalo (Sr.), Siona Rajshekhar (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Sophia Nangle (Fr.), Corrine Hammack (Fr.)

Outlook: The Warriors make the transition from 3A to 2A this year and are poised for a strong season. They will be led by the duo of Azalea Modes and Audrey Dickerson. Dickerson posted the team’s fastest three-mile time last fall and had a standout track season, running 1:01.08 in the 400m. Modes made significant strides in the spring, clocking 11:53 in the 3200m. Both athletes are expected to run in the low to mid-18:00s this season. Stella Martin looks to be the squad’s third runner after running 5:40 in the 1600m this spring. Siona Rajshekhar is projected to be the team’s fourth runner after posting a 12:31 in the 3200m during track season. Olivia Brown rounds out the team’s scoring five. Coach Beaumont stated, “Kind of like Cubs fans during spring training, there’s nothing but excitement and optimism about our team right now. We have the talent and experience to make a nice run into the postseason. Being in 3A the last few years, I haven’t really looked at what the competition will be like in 2A or how we stack up. As I said at the beginning, we don’t have as much depth as in recent years. But with positive physical and mental health among our top runners, we’re aiming to be at Detweiller in November. The summer has been a little warmer than usual, but the girls have been putting in the work. Between running and cross-training, we target 500-mile summers, and our top runners are on pace to hit that.”

15. West Chicago (Wheaton Academy)

Coaches: Daniel Ball

Last Year's Finish: 16th @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Addie Painter (Jr.), Sydnie Becker (So.), Charlotte Brown (So.), Adeline Farrell (So.), Kaiah Pyykkonen (So.), Kelsey Brust (So.), Shaylee Powell (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Maggie Clousing (So.)

Outlook: The Warriors enter this season following an excellent track campaign. They will once again be led by Addie Painter, who ran 18:15 for the 3-mile last fall. Sydnie Becker and Charlotte Brown are expected to be the team’s second and third runners, with both having broken 19:00 during last cross country season. If Maggie Clousing joins the team this year, she will likely be the squad’s fourth runner after posting a 5:51 in the 1600m this spring. If she competes, she should be under 20:00. Adeline Farrell and Kaiah Pyykkonen are strong alternatives if Clousing does not run—both have the potential to break 20:00 as well. Pyykkonen had a strong track season, highlighted by a 5:55 in the 1600m.

16. Morton

Coaches: Joe Zeller

Last Year's Finish: 10th @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Madison Greiner (So.), Brielle Hopkins (Sr.), Annaliese Sanders (Jr.), Nyameye Maison (Sr.), Jessica Knapp (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Elsie Parnham (Fr.), Tillie Kaiser (Sr.), Emi Brown (Fr.)

Outlook: The Potters return a strong core from last year and add several intriguing new pieces to their lineup. They’ll likely be led by Madison Greiner, who ran 18:10 at the state meet last fall. Although she didn’t compete in track this past spring due to soccer, expectations remain high for her this season. Brielle Hopkins also broke 19:00 last year in the three-mile. While she didn’t participate in another sport during track season, she also didn’t compete in track—something to keep an eye on heading into the fall. Nyameye Maison, who ran cross country for the first time last year and posted a 20:01, made significant strides during track season after transitioning to shorter distances. She recorded an impressive 57.63 in the 400m and 2:18.83 in the 800m, making her a potential wildcard for this squad. Rounding out the scoring group are Annaliese Sanders and Elsie Parnham. Sanders had a strong track season with a 5:45 in the 1600m. Parnham is an incoming freshman with promise, having run 12:40 in the 2-mile during middle school. Another name to watch is Tillie Kaiser, who debuted in track with a 5:52 in the 1600m. Depending on her development, she could be a key difference-maker for this team.

17. Lemont

Coaches: Tim Plotke

Last Year's Finish: 19th @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Hannah Farley (So.), Maya Fedko (Sr.), Cassie Cunningham (Sr.), Maggie Davey (Sr.), Amelia Sinnett (So.), Lizzy Rupsis (So.)

Outlook: This group enters the season with strong potential to climb the rankings as the year progresses. They are led by all-stater Hannah Farley, who will once again look to be the squad’s top runner. Cassie Cunningham had an excellent track season, contributing to Lemont's state-qualifying 4x800m relay team and running 5:41 in the 1600m. Maya Fedko also had a breakthrough spring, clocking 5:44 in the 1600m, and is projected to be the team’s third runner. Rounding out the scoring five will be Amelia Sinnett and Maggie Davey, who both aim to run in the mid-19:00s range this fall. Coach Plotke stated, “I’m really looking forward to what Hannah Farley, Maya Fedko, and Cassie Cunningham can do based on the success of our 4x800m team during the past track season. Our goals are to win the SSC Blue title, finish top 5 at regionals and sectionals, and place in the top 15 at the state meet. We’re also aiming for a top-5 individual finish from Hannah Farley.”

18. Dunlap

Coaches: Chris Friedman

Last Year's Finish: 23rd @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Aubrey Ott (So.), Claire Sack (Sr.), Brooklyn Virtue (So.), Josie Kroll (Jr.), Ellie Spanhook (Jr.), Sanjana Sidaraju (Jr.), Grace Tranel (Jr.), Eve Schmutzler (So.), Mia Williams (Sr.), Esme Gibbons (So.)

Outlook: The Eagles graduated their top two runners from last year’s team, but they remain poised to stay competitive in the postseason picture. Aubrey Ott will look to step into a leadership role after a strong track season in which she ran 5:30 for the 1600m, positioning her to break 19:00 this fall. Brooklyn Virtue should also be close to the sub-19:00 mark after running 11:47 in the 3200m. Claire Sack had a breakout spring as well, clocking 5:41 in the 1600m and should also find herself in the low 19:00s. Josie Kroll, Ellie Spanhook, and Grace Tranel are expected to round out the scoring five. Coach Friedman stated, “Aubrey Ott should be our leader on the course. We will need a quality pack behind her to have the success we’ve enjoyed over the past decade-plus. We won’t be as deep as we have been in the past, but the girls we have do have the talent and ability to qualify for the state meet again this year.”

19. Crystal Lake (Prairie Ridge)

Coaches: Kelly MacDonald / Rachel Kautz

Last Year's Finish: 13th @ 2A Kaneland Sectional

Key Returners: Emaline Foster (So.), Anneka Dam (So.), Genevieve Torgerson (Jr.), Flynn Wolf (Sr.), Savannah Monahan (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Anna Baade (Fr.), Maia Lancaster (Fr.), Emily Laport (Fr.), Caitlyn Macaulay (Fr.), Addison Sawer (Fr.)

Unexpected Losses: Lila Stewart (Sr.)

Outlook: This squad will be significantly boosted by new additions to the cross country course, with three of the team’s projected top five runners yet to make their XC debut in a Wolf jersey. Leading the group will be Emaline Foster, who missed the 2024 cross country season due to a stress fracture. She had a breakout track season, running 5:02 in the 1600m and 10:42 in the 3200m, and will be a serious contender for the individual state championship this November. Joining the team is incoming freshman Maia Lancaster, who ran 12:06 for 2 miles in middle school. She’s expected to be in the mid-18:00s this fall. Anneke Dam, last year’s top runner, will likely be the third scorer this season and should break 19:00 once again. Another promising freshman, Addison Sawyer, will look to make an immediate impact. She ran 12:50 in the 2-mile during middle school and is projected to be the team’s fourth runner, aiming to get under 20:00 this season. Genevieve Torgerson and Flynn Wolff round out the top six on paper. For this team to make a push for state qualification, they’ll need one of these two to dip under the 20:00 mark. Coach MacDonald stated, “If we stay healthy, I believe this team can and will be much improved over last year. I feel like we are all on the same page and everyone has high goals and wants to become stronger runners. It has been great to be around this positive attitude, and I am really excited to see where this takes the team.”

20. LaGrange Park (Nazareth Academy)

Coaches: Joe Wejman / Anthony Gonzalez, Emily Beedie

Last Year's Finish: 25th @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Kathleen Hardy (So.), Allie O'Halloran (Jr.), Sophia Towne (Jr.), Julia Parkes (Jr.), Ashley Kenna (Jr.), Claire Sigmund (Jr.), Maggie Broderick (Sr.), Lucy Jucovics (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Elena Vlahos (Fr.)

Outlook: The Roadrunners had a relatively quiet track season, as their top three returners from cross country did not compete in track and field. Kathleen Hardy, a returning all-stater who placed 22nd at the State Meet last fall, spent the spring playing lacrosse. If she maintained her endurance over the past nine months, she should be able to dip under 18:00 again this season. According to Coach Wejman it looks like freshman Elena Vlahos has had a great summer. She could potentially run under 19:00 this year from the sounds of it. Allie O’Halloran, who played soccer in the spring—as she did last year—has consistently hovered around 19:00 during her first two years of high school. Expect more of the same this fall. Sophia Towne has focused on AAU basketball during the spring, and like O’Halloran, she has been in the 19:00 range each of her first two seasons. The Roadrunners will need both O’Halloran and Towne to break 19:00 if they hope to compete at a high level. Julia Parkes did compete in track and had a strong showing, running a personal best of 2:31 in the 800m. She projects as the team’s fifth runner. Coach Wejman stated, "We lost some great leaders last season and will need to step up the focus at training once we get into it.  We have a lot of talent coming back and a promising core of youngsters.   We expect to have a good 1-2 punch with Hardy and Vlahos and then we have some good depth in the 3-7 range, but not sure who those faces/names will be.  There was a bit of shake up with our 2024 sectional, so not sure where we'll go or who we'll be against, but we like our chances to return to the state meet."

21. Rockford (Boylan Catholic)

Coaches: Katherine Schmid

Last Year's Finish: 4th @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Nora Wedwick (So.), Gabrielle Kohnle (Jr.), Elle Sosnowski (So.), Vanessa Tekampe (Jr.), Evelyn Rozanski (Sr.)

Outlook: This team has the potential to finish among the top 15 in the state but will need a new addition to step up in a big way. Nora Wedwick, who placed 29th at the State Meet last November, narrowly missed earning all-state honors as a freshman. She should be in the mix for a medal this year. Gabrielle Kohnle had an impressive track season, running 11:46 in the 3200m, and is expected to be in the low 18:00s this fall. Elle Sosnowski also shined on the track, clocking 5:31 in the 1600m, which suggests she’ll be in the mid-18:00s range this cross country season. Vanessa Tekampe will likely be the team’s fourth runner and should break 20:00 after running 5:56 in the 1600m this spring. To return to the State Meet and contend for a top 15 finish, this squad will need someone new to emerge as a reliable fifth runner capable of running close to 20:00.

22. Geneseo

Coaches: Aaron Skopec / Tayloran Atwell, Megan Miller

Last Year's Finish: 27th @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Brooklyn Smith (Jr.), Lucille Wachtel (Jr.), Evelyn DeBaene (So.), Ayla Schultz (Jr.), Hannah Stone (Sr.), Liberty Brumbaugh (Sr.), Alivia Brown (So.)

Key Newcomers: Charlize Wachtel (Fr.), Annika Brumbaugh (Fr.)

Outlook: The Maple Leafs will get an injection of youth talent with some new freshman added to help some veterans. Brooklyn Smith will once again lead this squad and will be challenging for an all-state position. She ran awesome this track in the 1600m with her 5:18 PR. Lucille Wachtel will be closing in on breaking 19:00 as this groups second runner after running 19:11. Charlize Wachtel will be the teams third runner as a freshman. She ran an impressive 5:47 1600m last year in 8th grade. She will run in the mid 19:00s. Evelyn DeBaene, Ayla Schultz, and Annika Brumbaugh will make up this teams next three spots. All are capable of breaking 20:00. Coach Skopec stated, "We have a young team that ran well this summer.  Many of our runners are motivated by qualifying for state last season and individual success throughout the year.  We have a top 7-8 runners that will push each other.  Brooklyn Smith is running at a high level and will be a good low score at most meets.  We have a hard working pack behind her that we expect to have a breakout season."

23. Champaign (Centennial)

Coaches: Laura Koterba-Buss

Last Year's Finish: 29th @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Farah Scott (Jr.), Brenna Hooper (Jr.), Molly Pate (Sr.), Lauren Kleber (Jr.)

Josie Potter (Sr.), Avery Benson (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Kinley Alexander (Fr.)

Outlook: This Chargers squad will once again be led by Farah Scott, who had an excellent track season, running 5:12 in the 1600m. Brenna Hooper, Lauren Kleber, and Molly Pate are expected to form a strong pack, likely finishing in the mid-19:00s this season. The team’s success may hinge on the development of freshman Kinley Alexander, who ran 2:47 in the 800m during middle school.

24. Mascoutah

Coaches: Darren Latham

Last Year's Finish: 28th @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Ryleigh Piller (Jr.), Milla Cryder (So.), Chloe Millett (Jr.), Abby Detering (So.), Abcde Climaco (So.), Bria Akins (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Layla Latour (Fr.), River Pittman (Fr.)

Outlook: The Indians are looking to improve on their 28th-place finish at the 2024 State Meet. They will be led by Milla Cryder, who had an impressive track season, running 12:02 in the 3200m. She should be capable of breaking 19:00 this fall. Ryleigh Piller is also poised to dip under 19:00 after clocking 5:37 in the 1600m this spring. Chloe Millett, Layla Latour, Abby Detering, and Abcde Climaco round out the scoring group, and all have the potential to break 20:00 this season.

25. Cary-Grove

Coaches: Mark Anderson / Brad Slupianey

Last Year's Finish: 8th @ 3A Warren Regional

Key Returners: Olivia Parker (Sr.), Isabella Limburg (So.), Avery Boone (Sr.), Julia Valaitis (Sr.), Brook Gerstung (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Isabella McMorris (Fr.), Bella Frangiamore (Fr.)

Outlook: This squad will once again be led by Olivia Parker, who had a strong track season as a hurdler. Last year, she ran 18:50 for the 3-mile. Isabella Limburg will be the team’s second runner after a great track season that included a 5:48 in the 1600m. Following them will be Isabella McMorris, Avery Boone, and Julia Valaitis rounding out the scoring. All are capable of breaking 20:00 this fall. Coach Anderson stated, "Over the past several years, maybe half of our varsity have been sprint oriented kids in the spring, so I don't see them as often for regular mileage as I do with distance kids. If everything comes together like it looks on paper, we could be pretty good."