2025 Cross Country Previews: 2A Girls Unranked

While much of the spotlight in Illinois 2A cross country falls on the top 25 ranked teams, there are several programs flying just under the radar that deserve recognition. These squads may have missed the preseason rankings, but they return key pieces, bring in promising young talent, or are known for peaking when it counts. Whether rebuilding after graduation losses or quietly building momentum, these unranked teams have the potential to shake up the standings as the season unfolds. Keep an eye on them—they might not be underdogs for long.

Morris

Coaches: Joe Blumberg / Nick Murphy, Jen Sheegog, Madi Mayberry

Last Year's Finish: 24th @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Ava Conley (Sr.), Aubrey Lines (Jr.), Hope Emmerich (Sr.), Zara Lugo (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Cora Passerman (Fr.), Lily Hougas (Fr.), Elizabeth Windy (Fr.), Addyson Olson (Jr.), Caitlyn Gile (Sr.), Leslie Juarez-Osorio (Jr.)

Coach Blumberg's Outlook: Our graduating girls have established some streaks: four-straight conference titles, four-straight state finals appearances, eighteen-straight sectional appearances… I don’t think it’s fair to our first-year runners to put pressure on them and expect them to keep all of those modest streaks going. But I am confident in the culture and camaraderie the athletes in the program continue to build. We work to develop the runner and person, compete with positive attitudes and tremendous work ethic, emphasize teamwork, be leaders on the course and in the classroom, have fun, and develop meaningful goals and pursue them relentlessly. And if we buy into those philosophies, we will have a successful season and be in the conversation to earn a state berth when November 1st rolls around.

Troy (Triad)

Coaches: Megan DeLong / Andy Brendel

Last Year's Finish: 12th @ 2A Olney (Richland County) Sectional

Key Returners: Morgan Mason (Sr.), Abby James (Sr.), Bradynn Carey (Sr.), Makena Steele (So.), Alivia Phillips (Sr.), Cameron Powers (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Emmy Goins (Fr.)

Coach DeLong's Outlook: Obviously, all athletes staying healthy and setting new PRs is always a goal. We are a pretty young team on the boys' side, with a lot of our projected top 7 being sophomores. My goal for both girls and boys would be to finish in the top 2 of our MVC and top 10 in our Sectional.

Waterloo

Coaches: Larry Huffman / Annette Rau

Last Year's Finish: 13th @ IHSA 2A State

Key Returners: Calla Espenschied (Sr.), Emily Vogt (Jr.), Charley Funk (So.), Reese Davis-Grandcolas (So.)

Key Newcomers: Lydia Huffman (Fr.), Addison Crain (Fr.), Ella Brown (Fr.)

Coach Huffman's Outlook: I think we have numerous girls that can be all conference, and as a team,  I think we can be competitive with the top teams at regional and sectional.

Aurora Central Catholic

Coaches: Leah Bohr / Troy Kerber, Larry Lillwitz

Last Year's Finish: 17th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Cecilia Hilby (Sr.), Ailidzie Perez (Jr.), Isabella Matty (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Maddie Berry (Jr.), Sarah Barnes (So.), Kaelyn DeMars (Fr.), Giada Fabbi (Fr.)

Coach Bohr's Outlook: Cece Hilby will be looking to continue her all-state status that has been consistent throughout her career. For her, moving up to 2A is not a big deal because we have competed in 2A for track and she is looking forward to that familiar competition surrounding her now on the XC course.  Ailidzie Perez, Bella Matty and Maddie Berry are going to be a strong middle pack with upper classmen leadership and experience.  It is just going to be about how we are able to develop our 5th through 7th runners. Someone young is going to have to step up, but I feel our strong, tight-knit group knows how to come together when it is needed. It should be fun to watch!

Sycamore

Coaches: Adam Bezinovich / Delores Emma

Last Year's Finish: 8th @ 2A Belvidere North Regional

Key Returners: Layla Janisch (Sr.), Layna Berry (So.), Kendall Green (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Anna Anderson (Fr.), Chloe Shere (Fr.), Kylie Kula (Fr.), Abigail Marshall (Fr.), Zoey Pearson (Fr.)

Coach Bezinovich's Outlook: Layla Janisch, Anna Anderson, Kylie Kula, Layna Berry, Abigail Marshall, and Zoey Pearson attended almost all our the summer workouts.  Chole Shere had basketball and then softball early in the summer,  but was able to join us for workouts in the second half of the summer. Our top 3 should be Layla Janisch who ran 18:34 at state last year to finish 61st, Chloe Shere who is our top incoming freshman and who ran 12:25 last year at the 8th grade state meet, and Anna Anderson who ran 13:26 last year at the 8th grade state meet.  Layna Berry and Kylie Kula will be our 4 and 5 this year.  Layna ran 21:44 last year as a freshman and Kylie ran 14:00 at the 8th grade state meet.  Layla has the ability and drive to run under 18 minutes at the end and Chloe has the foot speed to run under 19 minutes by the end.  With the miles Anna has put in this summer she has the potential to be low 19 maybe even be with Chloe.  All 3 would need to be top 30 at our sectional for us to have a chance at grabbing one of the last spots to state.  Layna and Kylie would need to be sub 20:30 by the end and based off summer workouts they seem to be on pace to be close to that by the end of the season if they keep making progress.  This is a very talented and fun group to work with and should be a very enjoyable season to be a part of this year.

Urbana

Coaches: Zach Boehmke / Maggie Byrne, Hawke Marlow

Last Year's Finish: 8th @ 2A Mattoon Regional

Key Returners: Marley Yau (Jr.), Genisis Walker (Jr.), Maria Poblano (So.), Savannah Finley (Jr.), Cadence Yates (Jr.), Lily Schroeder (Sr.)

Coach Boehmke's Outlook: This season we are hoping to take a step forward after a difficult season last year. We put a lot of energy into athlete development on a more personal level and so far that seems to have paid off with consistency in our core group and steps forward in maturity and leadership from our top individuals. After qualifying for state in every season of her career, and running a few personal bests this past track season, Marley is looking to carry that confidence into XC. Genisis has been a picture of consistency, improving in each season and has a chance to qualify for state as an individual. Our varsity crew has worked really hard over the last couple of years and we are hopeful that our upperclassmen can be rewarded with personal bests for their efforts.

Vernon Hills

Coaches: Christopher Wolf / Kristina Hauptmann, Sara Zaher

Last Year's Finish: 7th @ 3A Warren Regional

Key Returners: Jill Leuck (Sr.) Naina Mathur (Jr.), Ella Olinger (Jr.), Ami Pan (Jr.), Emma Wright (Jr.), Gia Gossett (Jr.), Campbell Fenton (So.), Gianna Cerauli (So.)

Key Newcomers: Hanna Greenfield (Fr.)

Coach Wolf's Outlook: The girls have shown tremendous dedication this summer as they’ve built a strong long run foundation—a key step to them staying healthy, injury-free, and ready to take on the demands of early-season intensity. Their commitment to consistency and mileage has laid the groundwork for what promises to be a competitive and exciting fall. Senior Jillian Leuck has emerged as a standout leader this summer, setting the tone with her work ethic, attitude, and experience. As our lone senior in summer camp, she’s been instrumental in guiding younger teammates and helping shape the team culture. This year’s varsity squad will be junior-heavy, composed of athletes who have been contributing at the varsity level since their freshman year. Among them is Ella Ollinger, a returning front runner who’s coming off an impressive track season and already looks stronger this summer than last. Her continued growth will be a key part of our team’s success. Returning juniors Ami Pan and Emma Wright have shown consistent dedication and are ready to help the team improve on last year’s performances. Their reliability and growth over the summer have not gone unnoticed, and they will be key pieces in our team’s success this fall.

Campbell Fenton, our lone returning varsity sophomore, has also been putting in consistent and impressive work over the summer, showing signs of another strong season ahead. We’re also excited about freshman Hannah Greenfield, who has already shown that she has the potential to contribute right away. Her energy and talent bring a fresh spark to the team and add important depth to our lineup. Though we’ve lost our #2, #3, and #5 runners to graduation, this group is more than ready to meet the challenge. With experienced returners, emerging new talent, and a unified team mindset, we’re excited to see how far this team can go in the 2025 season.

Bethalto (Civic Memorial)

Coaches: Jacob Peal / Malynn Hannaford

Last Year's Finish: 7th @ 2A Jacksonville Regional

Key Returners: Olivia Wiley (So.), Mya Walker (Jr.), Taylor Brooks (Sr.), Calista Webb (Jr.), Lillie Wood (So.), Josie Werts (Jr.), Caylee Dannebrink (So.) 

Key Newcomers: Kinley Govero (Sr.), Janay Fipps (So.)

Coach Peal's Outlook: Our girls bring back a lot of experience from last fall's team with everyone returning. With the improvements they made during the track season and a consistent summer I am excited to see what this team can do. Our goal of making it to Sectionals can become a reality if our entire Top 7 makes jumps that we think are possible. 

Jacksonville

Coaches: Breck Vanbebber / Amy Martin

Last Year's Finish: <5 @ 1A Jacksonville Regional

Key Returners: Hailey Casey (Jr.), Devyn Martino (So.), Kenzie Law (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Mattisyn Berry (Fr.), Millie Schumacher (So.), Payton Murray (So.), Zorina Bohannon (Fr.), Taegan Howell (So.), Gwaneth Agsalda (So.), Cali Taylor (Jr.)

Coach Vanbebber's Outlook: I'm really excited about the direction of our program.  We have really struggled to get kids out since Covid (both boys & girls, but especially girls); however, I expect to have at least 12-15 girls on the team this year.  In addition, we have girls with some real potential and I believe that our girls team has the chance to qualify for state in the very near future (maybe not this year, but definitely next year).  The girls have done a great job of showing up to our summer practices on a regular basis (we are practicing 3 days a week).  The next step is that they need to run more often on their own on the days we don't have practices.  We are very inexperienced, but there's definite potential there and I'm excited to see what they will accomplish this year.  I think they're going to surprise themselves, other teams, and even me.  We've worked hard to get kids from the middle school and from within our girls track program to help increase our numbers and talent.  I'm proud of what the girls have done so far this summer and I'm really looking forward to what we can become.  

Maple Park (Kaneland)

Coaches: Doug Ecker / Juan Castro

Last Year's Finish: 17th @ 2A Kaneland Sectional

Key Returners: Danielle Bower (Sr.), Graycen Cole (Sr.), Bella Gruber (So.), Annie Cole (So.)

Key Newcomers: Macey Jug (Fr.), Giselle Havron (Fr.), Ellie O'Connell (Fr.)

Coach Ecker's Outlook: Our goal for the girls is very simple & does not change. Keep them healthy & to be a better runner and a better person at the end of the season. I learned the hard way as a young coach long ago to never make predictions.   

Springfield

Coaches: Trae Cotner / Joy Guardia

Last Year's Finish: 17th @ 3A Normal Community Sectional

Key Returners: Kayden Arjsamat (Sr.), Ava Fultz (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Sophia Ilois (Fr.), Anamarie Kren (Fr.), Meoldy Guardia (Fr.), Nora Andrig (Fr.)

Coach Cotner's Outlook: We have a very young team this year.  We only had 8 girls last year and 4 of them were seniors.  We don’t return much firepower, but we do have a strong freshmen group that should contribute immediately.  How they adapt to 3 miles will be the key for our season. 

Chicago (Latin)

Coaches: Dan Daly / Jim Spivey, Sarah Lawerence

Last Year's Finish: 5th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Francesca Mora (So.), Ruby Larsen (Sr.), Vivian Sidrys (So.), Vivian Lee-Yee (Sr.), Julia Steffen (Sr.), Clare Horwitz (So.), Chloe Ramette (Jr.), Cecily Daly (So.)

Coach Daly's Outlook: The team has a very Strong top 3 runners. The 4-7 spots are wide open and will be determined by those athletes that are ready to move up to the Varsity level. Should be a fun season as the team starts to gel and rise up to perform at their usual high level.

Quincy (Notre Dame)

Coaches: Leah Waters

Last Year's Finish: 11th @ 1A Elmwood Sectional

Key Returners: Meghan Spears (Sr.), Ari Waters (Sr.), Addison Koch (Sr.), Aidyn Koch (Sr.), Emmalyn Smith (Jr.), Elcee Waters (So.), Audrey Robnett (So.)

Key Newcomers: Leah Holbrook (Fr.), Alena Thomas (Fr.)

Coach Waters' Outlook: Our outlook for the season is to run each race better than we thought we could.  We will attack this by understanding what fuel our body needs to perform at our best, understanding what it means to cross train, mentally being prepared for each race by evaluating the course and teams that will be there and of course, coming together as a team and understanding what it means to run for yourself while also running for your team. 

Highland

Coaches: Megan McKee / Nick Schaible

Last Year's Finish: 11th @ 2A Olney (Richland County) Sectional

Key Returners: Josie Kircher (So.), Brooklyn Giffhorn (So.), Rowan Passmore (Jr.), Vivian Marron (Sr.), Layna Powers (Sr.), Lyla Rambisz (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Katie Fenton (Fr.), Morgan Greenwald (Fr.), Adelaide Cook (Fr.)

Coach McKee's Outlook: Summer running has been going well and I have been encouraged by the girls we’ve had consistently show up. I think they have been doing a good job of building their mileage base for the season. For the past three years, we have had a very clear number one runner. So far, I do not see a clear number one runner and am really excited to see how that unfolds as the season goes on. It is a very young team and I do think we could have 4-5 girls that are all very close to each other at times. I can see where the number 1-5 runners all alternate positions throughout the season. 

Sterling

Coaches: Megan Grady / Jenna Truesdell

Last Year's Finish: 15th @ 2A Kaneland Sectional

Key Returners: Jaz'Mya Castaneda (Jr.), Lil-Lee Hauck (So.), Kaelin Morris (So.), Kierra South (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Lacey Updike (Sr.), Sophia Davis (Fr.)

Coach Grady's Outlook: Having consistent numbers for summer training makes me very excited for the season. We've got a few newcomers who will help us and a bulk of returners that have been putting in the work this summer. Overall, I believe that the potential this team has is untapped and I am interested to see how they perform once the meets begin! 

Lake Villa (Lakes)

Coaches: Travis Shepherd / Dan Jazo

Last Year's Finish: 8th @ 2A Lakes Regional

Key Returners: Madi Bradley (Sr.), Timyra Caces (So.), Caitlin Crawford (Jr.), Hannah Salbilla (Jr.), Kylie Smith (So.)

Key Newcomers: Katelyn Kelly (Jr.), Madison Schrader (Fr.), Frances Makela (Fr.)

Coach Shepherd's Outlook: We have had a lot of turnover over the last few years and we are very inexperienced this season. Hannah Salbilla, Wrenna Streicher, Gabby Cancino, and Katelyn Kelly have stepped up and taken on leadership roles to help the team in multiple capacities. Throughout July we have had a strong group of girls running workouts together. I anticipate that we'll be more of a pack team than we have been recently. Their ability to push each other in workouts will really drive our fitness levels and improve our ability to compete.  Hannah Salbilla is our top returner and will likely lead the way. Kylie Smith, Madi Bradley, Caitlin Crawford, & Timyra Caces all return with varsity experience and will be counted on to fill out our pack. Freshmen Madison Schrader and Frances Makela made significant contributions to Millburn's 6th place XC finish and should give us a major boost. We welcome Katelyn Kelly who will be pulling double duty with flag football, but has the capability to bolster the strength of our top 5. We'll be at our best when we can run a tight pack and battle with and for each other every step. Because of our youth and new faces I think our season will be a bit of an evolving narrative where you'll see us be at our best at the end of season. 

Macomb

Coaches: Doug Bradley / Ryan Ames

Last Year's Finish: 9th @ 2A Dunlap Regional

Key Returners: Jackie Rouse (Sr.), Ava Weaver (Jr.), Laney Weaver (Jr.), and Sofia Cardenas-Roman (So.)

Key Newcomers: Maria Hernandez (Sr.), Khloe Diggs (Fr.), Leah Gorman (Fr.), Allexis Gray (So.), and Ella McKee (Fr.)

Coach Bradley's Outlook: Ava was our #1 last year and has had a good summer of training. Laney and Sofia were regular top five runners a season ago and Jackie showed great improvement as a junior and should compete for a top 7 spot. Khloe, Allexis, and Ella have shown in summer runs that they are ready to be varsity runners. Maria has experience running distance on the track and should be in the mix for a top seven spot. 

Aurora Central Catholic

Coaches: Leah Bohr / Troy Kerber, Larry Lillwitz

Last Year's Finish: 17th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Cece Hilby (Sr.), Ailidzie Perez (Jr.), Isabella Matty (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Maddie Berry (Jr.), Sarah Barnes (So.), Kaelyn DeMars (Fr.), Giada Fabbi (So.)

Coach Bohr's Outlook: Cece Hilby will be looking to continue her all-state status that has been consistent throughout her career. For her, moving up to 2A is not a big deal because we have competed in 2A for track and she is looking forward to that familiar competition surrounding her now on the XC course.  Ailidzie Perez, Bella Matty and Maddie Berry are going to be a strong middle pack with upper classmen leadership and experience.  It is just going to be about how we are able to develop our 5th through 7th runners. Someone young is going to have to step up, but I feel our strong, tight-knit group knows how to come together when it is needed. It should be fun to watch!