2026 Pre-Season XC Previews: 1A Girls Individual Rankings

The race for the IHSA Class 1A Girls State Championship should be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with a blend of returning All-State performers, experienced veterans, and rising young stars leading the way. Throughout Illinois, athletes have built impressive resumes through success in cross country, track and field, and postseason competition, making this one of the deepest classes in the state. Our preseason rankings highlight the top 25 individuals entering the 2026 season based solely on performances achieved prior to July 1st, 2026, meaning any races or results after that date were not considered in the evaluation. As always, these rankings serve as a preseason snapshot, with every athlete having the opportunity to reshape the conversation once the starting gun fires this fall.

1. Isabella Keller (Sr., Effingham [St. Anthony])

3 Mile: 16:06.00

Isabella Keller enters her senior season as the overwhelming favorite in Class 1A and one of the most accomplished cross country runners in Illinois history. The St. Anthony standout owns a remarkable resume that includes three IHSA state championships and two All American honors at Nike Cross Nationals. She finished fourth at Nike Cross Nationals last fall after placing eighth nationally in 2023, establishing herself as one of the premier high school cross country runners in the country. Her personal best of 16:06.00 for three miles is among the best returning marks in Illinois and reflects the level of consistency she has displayed throughout her career. Keller's track season was unfortunately cut short after she underwent hip surgery in February, forcing her to miss the entire spring. While her health will be one of the biggest storylines entering the fall, there is little question about what she is capable of when healthy. With one of the most decorated resumes in Illinois history and extensive experience competing against the nation's best, Keller enters her final high school cross country season with the opportunity to add another chapter to an already legendary career.

2. Klarke Goranson (Jr., Manteno)

800m: 2:13.71

1600m: 4:57.66

3200m: 11:28.48

3 Mile: 17:11.80

Klarke Goranson enters her junior season as one of the most accomplished returning runners in Class 1A and a legitimate challenger for the state championship. The Manteno standout has already built an impressive resume, earning six All State medals across cross country and track. Last fall, she earned All State honors with a 12th place finish at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet while posting a personal best of 17:11.80 for three miles. With two years of championship experience already behind her, Goranson has established herself as one of the most consistent performers in the classification. She elevated her profile even further during an outstanding track season. Goranson lowered her personal bests to 2:13.71 in the 800 meters, 4:57.66 in the 1600 meters, and 11:28.48 in the 3200 meters while earning All State honors in both the 800 meters and 1600 meters with fifth place finishes at the IHSA Class 2A State Meet. She also captured the Illinois Top Times championship in the 800 meters during the indoor season, proving herself against one of the state's strongest fields. With elite speed, extensive championship experience, and one of the best resumes in Class 1A, Goranson enters the fall as one of the leading contenders to finish near the top of the podium at Detweiller.

3. Audrey Dickinson (So., Glasford [Illini Bluffs])

800m: 2:14.30

1600m: 4:57.15

3200m: 11:26.78

3 Mile: 17:36.70

Audrey Dickinson enters her sophomore season as one of the top returning runners in Class 1A after an exceptional freshman year that established her as one of the state's brightest young talents. The Illini Bluffs standout earned All State honors with a 24th place finish at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet while running 17:36.70 for three miles. Reaching the All State podium in her first high school season is an impressive accomplishment, and it gives Dickinson one of the highest ceilings in the classification entering this fall. She built on that success with a remarkable track campaign, lowering her personal bests to 2:14.30 in the 800 meters, 4:57.15 in the 1600 meters, and 11:26.78 in the 3200 meters. Dickinson earned All State honors in two individual events at the IHSA Class 1A State Meet, finishing runner up in the 800 meters and fifth in the 1600 meters, while also qualifying in the 4x400 meter relay. She added an Illinois Top Times championship in the 800 meters during the indoor season, further establishing herself as one of the state's premier young middle distance runners. Already a multiple time All State performer as a freshman, Dickinson enters this cross country season as one of the leading contenders to challenge for a spot near the front of the Class 1A field.

4. Dusti Smith (Sr., Toulon [Stark County])

1600m: 5:00.37

3 Mile: 17:07.40

Dusti Smith enters her senior season as one of the top returning runners in Class 1A after another outstanding year in both cross country and track. The Stark County standout earned All State honors with a 10th place finish at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet while posting an impressive personal best of 17:07.40 for three miles. Her consistency throughout her high school career has made her one of the classification's most reliable championship performers, and she enters her final season with the experience to compete for a place near the front of the field. Smith followed her successful cross country campaign with an exceptional track season. She lowered her personal best to 5:00.37 in the 1600 meters and earned All State honors with a seventh place finish at the IHSA Class 1A State Meet. She also played a starring role in Stark County's state championship 4x800 meter relay, anchoring the team with a sensational 2:10 split to secure the title, while also qualifying for the state meet in the 4x400 meter relay. Her combination of championship experience, middle distance speed, and proven ability to perform in the biggest moments makes Smith one of the leading contenders for another All State finish and an even higher placing in Class 1A this fall.

5. Mya Hill (Jr., Elmwood)

800m: 2:18.53

1600m: 5:00.93

3 Mile: 17:57.80

Mya Hill enters her junior season as one of the more intriguing runners in Class 1A after narrowly missing All State honors during the cross country season. The Elmwood standout finished 28th at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet, just outside the medal positions, while posting a personal best of 17:57.80 for three miles. Although she came up just short at Detweiller, her performance established her as one of the top returning runners in the classification and gives her plenty of motivation entering this fall. Hill showed significant promise during the early portion of the track season, lowering her personal bests to 2:18.53 in the 800 meters and 5:00.93 in the 1600 meters. She also helped Elmwood finish runner up in the 4x800 meter relay at Illinois Top Times indoors, highlighting both her speed and her value as a relay runner. Unfortunately, she did not compete during the championship portion of the outdoor track season, leaving some unanswered questions heading into the fall. If she returns healthy and builds on the progress she showed before the postseason, Hill has the talent to move into the All State positions and challenge the top runners in Class 1A.

6. Lyla Plaisier (So., Elmhurst [Timothy Christian])

1600m: 5:14.24

3200m: 11:14.82

3 Mile: 17:08.10

Lyla Plaisier enters her sophomore season as one of the top returning young runners in Class 1A after an outstanding freshman campaign. The Timothy Christian standout earned All State honors with an 11th place finish at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet while posting an impressive personal best of 17:08.10 for three miles. Finishing just outside the top 10 in one of the state's premier championship races as a freshman showcased both her talent and composure, making her one of the brightest young stars in the classification. Plaisier continued her strong development during the track season, lowering her personal bests to 5:14.24 in the 1600 meters and 11:14.82 in the 3200 meters. She qualified for the IHSA Class 2A State Meet in both distance events, finishing 11th in the 1600 meters and 19th in the 3200 meters while gaining valuable experience against one of Illinois' deepest fields. With another year of growth, proven championship success, and one of the strongest resumes among Class 1A underclassmen, Plaisier enters the fall as a legitimate contender to move even higher on the state podium.

7. Aubrey Denning (Sr., Effingham [St. Anthony])

800m: 2:15.62

1600m: 5:04.01

3 Mile: 17:10.50

Aubrey Denning enters her senior season as one of the most accomplished athletes in Class 1A after building an exceptional championship resume over the past three years. The St. Anthony standout is already an eight time All State performer and has consistently delivered on the biggest stage. She earned All State honors with a 13th place finish at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet last fall after placing eighth at the state meet in 2024. With a personal best of 17:10.50 for three miles and years of championship experience, Denning enters her final cross country season as one of the classification's most dependable contenders. She added to her impressive resume during another outstanding track campaign, lowering her personal bests to 2:15.62 in the 800 meters and 5:04.01 in the 1600 meters. Denning earned All State honors in both events at the IHSA Class 1A State Meet, placing third in the 800 meters and sixth in the 1600 meters. Her combination of elite middle distance speed, proven success in championship races, and unmatched experience makes her one of the leading contenders to once again finish among the top runners in Class 1A and add even more All State honors to her remarkable career.

8. Ellie Emberson (Jr., Fisher)

1600m: 5:14.29

3200m: 11:01.11

3 Mile: 17:21.20

Ellie Emberson enters her junior season as one of the biggest breakout candidates in Class 1A after a tremendous track campaign elevated her into the conversation as one of the state's top distance runners. The Fisher standout finished 65th at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet last fall while posting a personal best of 17:21.20 for three miles. Although her cross country finish was well outside the All State positions, her dramatic improvement during the spring has significantly raised her expectations entering this fall. Emberson enjoyed an outstanding track season, lowering her personal bests to 5:14.29 in the 1600 meters and 11:01.11 in the 3200 meters. She earned All State honors with a fourth place finish in the 3200 meters at the IHSA Class 1A State Meet and also qualified in the 1600 meters, placing 19th. Those performances established her as one of the fastest improving runners in Class 1A. If Emberson can carry the confidence and fitness from her breakout spring onto the cross country course, she has all the tools to make one of the biggest jumps in the state and emerge as a serious All State contender this fall.

9. Kasyn Jibben (So., Havana)

1600m: 5:15.22

3200m: 11:02.98

3 Mile: 18:16.90

Kasyn Jibben enters her sophomore season as one of the most intriguing young runners in Class 1A after making tremendous strides during the track season. The Havana standout finished 39th at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet as a freshman while posting a personal best of 18:16.90 for three miles. Although she finished outside the All State positions, she gained valuable championship experience that helped lay the foundation for an outstanding spring. Jibben enjoyed a breakout track campaign, lowering her personal bests to 5:15.22 in the 1600 meters and 11:02.98 in the 3200 meters. She earned All State honors with a sixth place finish in the 3200 meters at the IHSA Class 1A State Meet and also qualified in the 1600 meters, placing 18th. Those performances established her as one of the top returning sophomores in the classification and demonstrated just how much she developed over the course of the year. If Jibben can translate that breakthrough track fitness to the cross country course, she has the potential to make a significant jump in the Class 1A standings and contend for All State honors this fall.

10. Molly Webb (Jr., Winnebago)

800m: 2:24.57

1600m: 5:11.95

3 Mile: 17:19.10

Molly Webb enters her junior season as one of the top returning runners in Class 1A after another outstanding year in both cross country and track. The Winnebago standout earned All State honors with a 14th place finish at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet while posting an impressive personal best of 17:19.10 for three miles. Her consistency and ability to perform in championship races have made her one of the classification's most dependable competitors, and she enters this fall with the experience to contend for another top finish. Webb carried that momentum into a strong track season, lowering her personal bests to 2:24.57 in the 800 meters and 5:11.95 in the 1600 meters. She qualified individually for the IHSA Class 1A State Meet in the 1600 meters, finishing 16th, while also earning two All State medals in the relays with a runner up finish in the 4x800 meter relay and a fourth place finish in the 4x400 meter relay. Her versatility, championship experience, and proven ability to contribute in the biggest moments make Webb a strong candidate to once again finish among the top runners in Class 1A this fall.

11. Taylor Mabry (Sr., Monticello)

800m: 2:22.95

1600m: 5:07.05

3200m: 11:08.07

3 Mile: 18:10.30

Taylor Mabry enters her senior season as one of the more intriguing runners in Class 1A after a tremendous track campaign elevated her into the conversation as one of the classification's top distance runners. The Monticello standout finished 46th at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet last fall while posting a personal best of 18:10.30 for three miles. Although her cross country finish was outside the All State positions, her performances during the spring suggest she has developed into a much different athlete entering her final season. Mabry enjoyed an outstanding track season, lowering her personal bests to 2:22.95 in the 800 meters, 5:07.05 in the 1600 meters, and 11:08.07 in the 3200 meters. She narrowly missed All State honors in the 1600 meters with a 12th place finish at the IHSA Class 2A State Meet before earning an All State medal with a ninth place finish in the 3200 meters. Those performances demonstrated her continued progression and ability to compete with some of the state's best distance runners. If Mabry can carry that breakthrough track fitness into the cross country season, she has the potential to make a significant jump in the Class 1A standings and contend for an All State finish this fall.

12. Jana Vande Kemp (Sr., Cambridge)

3200m: 11:12.81

3 Mile: 17:35.60

Jana Vande Kemp enters her senior season as one of the most accomplished returning runners in Class 1A after building an impressive championship resume throughout her high school career. The Cambridge standout is already a five time All State performer and added to that total last fall by earning All State honors with a 20th place finish at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet. Her personal best of 17:35.60 for three miles and years of success in championship races make her one of the most experienced competitors in the classification entering her final season. Vande Kemp continued her strong career during the track season, earning another individual All State medal with an eighth place finish in the 3200 meters at the IHSA Class 1A State Meet after lowering her personal best to 11:12.81. She also helped Cambridge place 10th in the 4x800 meter relay at the state meet, showcasing her value as both an individual performer and teammate. With five All State medals already on her resume and extensive championship experience, Vande Kemp enters her senior season as a strong contender to once again finish among the best runners in Class 1A.

13. Leah Shoaff (So., Shelbyville)

800m: 2:20.30

1600m: 5:15.79

3200m: 11:13.08

3 Mile: 17:48.60

Leah Shoaff enters her sophomore season as one of the top returning young runners in Class 1A after an outstanding freshman year highlighted by success on the state's biggest stage. The Shelbyville standout narrowly missed All State honors in cross country, finishing 27th at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet while posting a personal best of 17:48.60 for three miles. Despite the disappointment of missing the podium by just a few places, Shoaff gained valuable championship experience and showed she has the talent to compete with the best runners in the classification. Shoaff enjoyed an exceptional track season, lowering her personal bests to 2:20.30 in the 800 meters, 5:15.79 in the 1600 meters, and 11:13.08 in the 3200 meters. She earned individual All State honors with a ninth place finish in the 3200 meters at the IHSA Class 1A State Meet and added two more All State medals as part of Shelbyville's third place 4x800 meter relay and eighth place 4x400 meter relay. Already a three time All State performer as a freshman, Shoaff enters this fall with tremendous momentum and all the tools to earn her first individual cross country All State medal while continuing her rapid development.

14. Millie Schumacher (Jr., Jacksonville [Routt])

400m: 59.91

800m: 2:13.86

1600m; 5:10.40

3 Mile: 17:56.90

Millie Schumacher enters her junior season as one of the most dangerous athletes in Class 1A thanks to her exceptional combination of middle distance speed and cross country potential. The Routt standout narrowly missed All State honors at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet, finishing 28th while posting a personal best of 17:56.90 for three miles. Although she came up just short of the podium last fall, the progress she made during the track season has elevated her into the conversation as one of the classification's top contenders. Schumacher put together an outstanding spring, showcasing her versatility across multiple events. She lowered her personal bests to 59.91 in the 400 meters, 2:13.86 in the 800 meters, and 5:10.40 in the 1600 meters while capturing the IHSA Class 1A state championship in the 800 meters. She also qualified for the state meet in both the 400 meters and the 1600 meters, proving she can compete at an elite level across a wide range of distances. With one of the fastest finishing kicks in Class 1A and another year of development, Schumacher has all the tools to make a significant jump in cross country and contend for an All State finish this fall.

15. Ava Otto (Sr., Eureka)

1600m: 5:09.37

3200m: 11:22.40

3 Mile: 17:59.00

Ava Otto enters her senior season as one of the top returning runners in Class 1A after another strong year highlighted by a breakthrough on the track. The Eureka standout narrowly missed All State honors in cross country, finishing 29th at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet while posting a personal best of 17:59.00 for three miles. Despite falling just short of the podium, she demonstrated the consistency and toughness needed to compete among the classification's best and enters her final season with plenty of motivation. Otto elevated her profile during an outstanding track campaign, lowering her personal bests to 5:09.37 in the 1600 meters and 11:22.40 in the 3200 meters. She earned individual All State honors with a ninth place finish in the 1600 meters at the IHSA Class 2A State Meet and added another All State medal by helping Eureka finish runner up in the 4x800 meter relay. Those performances showcased her continued development and ability to perform under championship pressure. With another year of experience and the confidence gained from a successful spring, Otto enters the fall as a strong candidate to earn her first individual cross country All State medal and finish among the top runners in Class 1A.

16. Madeleine Fox (Sr., Marshall)

800m: 2:26.10

1600m: 5:14.03

3 Mile: 17:22.60

Madeleine Fox enters her senior season as one of the top returning runners in Class 1A after another strong championship campaign in cross country. The Marshall standout earned All State honors with a 16th place finish at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet while posting a personal best of 17:22.60 for three miles. Her consistency and ability to deliver in championship races have made her one of the classification's most dependable competitors heading into her final high school season. Fox continued her success during the track season, lowering her personal bests to 2:26.10 in the 800 meters and 5:14.03 in the 1600 meters. She qualified for the IHSA Class 1A State Meet in the 1600 meters, finishing 14th, and also helped Marshall qualify in both the 4x400 meter relay and the 4x800 meter relay. With valuable championship experience across multiple events and a proven ability to perform at Detweiller, Fox enters the fall as a strong contender to earn All State honors once again and cap off an outstanding high school career.

17. Joelle Wilson (Sr., Williamsville)

800m: 2:16.51

1600m: 5:16.23

3 Mile: 17:50.40

Joelle Wilson enters her senior season as one of the more intriguing runners in Class 1A after narrowly missing All State honors during the cross country season. The Williamsville standout finished 26th at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet, just two places shy of the podium, while posting a personal best of 17:50.40 for three miles. After coming so close to an All State finish last fall, Wilson enters her final cross country season with plenty of motivation to move into the medal positions. Wilson followed that performance with an outstanding track campaign, lowering her personal bests to 2:16.51 in the 800 meters and 5:16.23 in the 1600 meters. She earned All State honors with an eighth place finish in the 800 meters at the IHSA Class 2A State Meet and also qualified for the state meet in the 1600 meters, showcasing both her speed and versatility. With proven success on the championship stage and another year of experience, Wilson has all the tools to turn last year's near miss into an All State cross country finish and establish herself among the top runners in Class 1A this fall.

18. Hazel Atkins (Fr., Shelbyville [Moulton])

800m: 2:22.54

1600m: 5:11.71

2 Mile: 11:25.70

Hazel Atkins enters her freshman season as one of the most accomplished incoming distance runners in Illinois after an exceptional middle school career. The Shelbyville Moulton standout put together a dominant cross country season, going undefeated and capturing a state championship while defeating Molly Mocko at the IESA State Cross Country Championships. That victory came against one of the greatest middle school runners in Illinois history and highlighted Atkins' ability to rise to the occasion in the biggest races. A two time state champion and multi-time All-Stater, she established herself as one of the premier middle school athletes in the state. Atkins carried that success into the track season, recording personal bests of 2:22.54 in the 800 meters and 5:11.71 in the 1600 meters while also owning a cross country best of 11:25.70 for two miles. Her combination of championship experience, consistent success, and proven ability to compete against elite competition gives her an outstanding foundation as she begins her high school career. With one of the strongest resumes among this year's freshman class, Atkins has the potential to make an immediate impact for Shelbyville Moulton this fall.

19. Grace Bressner (Jr., St. Joseph-Ogden)

800m: 2:26.15

1600m: 5:17.71

3 Mile: 17:29.40

Grace Bressner enters her junior season as one of the top returning runners in Class 1A after establishing herself as a consistent championship performer. The St. Joseph Ogden standout is already a two time All State athlete and added another All State cross country finish last fall by placing 17th at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet. Her personal best of 17:29.40 for three miles ranks among the strongest returning marks in the classification and gives her a solid foundation heading into another championship season. Bressner continued to build on that success during the track season, lowering her personal bests to 2:26.15 in the 800 meters and 5:17.71 in the 1600 meters. She qualified for the IHSA Class 2A State Meet in the 1600 meters and finished 22nd while continuing to gain valuable experience competing against one of the deepest fields in Illinois. With proven success at Detweiller, another year of development, and a resume highlighted by multiple All State honors, Bressner enters the fall as a strong contender to once again finish among the top runners in Class 1A.

20. Ella Carlson (Sr., Winnebago)

800m: 2:23.38

1600m: 5:11.79

3 Mile: 18:29.60

Ella Carlson enters her senior season as one of the more intriguing runners in Class 1A after a tremendous track campaign elevated her profile heading into the fall. The Winnebago standout finished 50th at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet last season while posting a personal best of 18:29.60 for three miles. Although her cross country finish was outside the All State positions, the progress she made during the spring suggests she is capable of a much higher finish in her final high school season. Carlson enjoyed a breakout track season, lowering her personal bests to 2:23.38 in the 800 meters and 5:11.79 in the 1600 meters while producing the performance of her career in the 3200 meters. She earned All State honors with a runner up finish in the event at the IHSA Class 1A State Meet and also qualified for the 1600 meters, placing 32nd. With the confidence of an individual state runner up finish and continued improvement throughout the year, Carlson enters the cross country season as a strong candidate to make a significant climb in the Class 1A rankings and contend for All State honors.

21. Sophia Watson (Sr., Eureka)

400m: 59.31

800m: 2:15.29

1600m: 5:20.30

3 Mile: 18:54.60

Sophia Watson enters her senior season as one of the biggest wild cards in Class 1A after an outstanding track season showcased a level of talent far beyond what her cross country finish from last fall would suggest. The Eureka standout placed 116th at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet while posting a personal best of 18:54.60 for three miles, but her remarkable improvement throughout the spring has transformed her into one of the classification's most intriguing runners heading into her final season. Watson put together an exceptional track campaign, lowering her personal bests to 59.31 in the 400 meters, 2:15.29 in the 800 meters, and 5:20.30 in the 1600 meters. She earned individual All State honors with a seventh place finish in the 800 meters at the IHSA Class 2A State Meet while also collecting relay medals with a runner up finish in the 4x800 meter relay and a sixth place finish in the 4x400 meter relay. Her combination of elite speed, championship experience, and rapid development gives her one of the highest ceilings in Class 1A. If Watson can translate her breakthrough track fitness to the cross country course, she has the potential to make one of the biggest jumps in the state this fall.

22. Sierra Herrmann (Sr., Eureka)

1600m: 5:28.21

3200m: 11:19.70

3 Mile: 17:59.00

Sierra Herrmann enters her senior season as one of the more experienced runners in Class 1A after coming painfully close to earning All State honors during the cross country season. The Eureka standout finished 30th at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet, narrowly missing the podium while posting a personal best of 17:59.00 for three miles. After coming so close to an All State finish last fall, Herrmann enters her final season with the experience and motivation to take the next step. Herrmann continued to improve throughout the track season, lowering her personal bests to 5:28.21 in the 1600 meters and 11:19.70 in the 3200 meters. She narrowly missed All State honors in the 3200 meters at the IHSA Class 2A State Meet with an 11th place finish and helped Eureka capture the Illinois Top Times championship in the 4x800 meter relay during the indoor season. With continued development, proven success in championship competition, and the confidence gained from a strong spring, Herrmann has the tools to turn last year's near miss into an All State cross country finish this fall.

23. Bethany Sennett (Sr., Princeville)

800m: 2:24.35

3 Mile: 17:46.30

Bethany Sennett enters her senior season as one of the top returning runners in Class 1A after another strong championship campaign in cross country. The Princeville standout earned All State honors with a 23rd place finish at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet while posting a personal best of 17:46.30 for three miles. Her ability to perform at her best on the biggest stage has made her one of the classification's most dependable competitors, and she enters her final high school season looking to build on that success. Sennett carried that momentum into the track season, lowering her personal best to 2:24.35 in the 800 meters and qualifying for the IHSA Class 1A State Meet, where she finished 22nd. While she narrowly missed an All State medal on the track, the experience she gained competing at the state meet adds to an already impressive resume. With proven championship success in cross country and another year of development behind her, Sennett enters the fall as a strong candidate to earn All State honors once again and finish her high school career among the top runners in Class 1A.

24. Hadley Fleck (So., Niantic [Sangamon Valley])

1600m: 5:28.08

3200m: 11:20.67

3200m: 18:22.50

Hadley Fleck enters her sophomore season as one of the more intriguing young runners in Class 1A after making tremendous strides during the track season. The Sangamon Valley standout finished 90th at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet as a freshman while posting a personal best of 18:22.50 for three miles. Although her cross country finish was well outside the All State positions, the progress she made throughout the spring suggests she has developed into a much different athlete entering her second varsity season. Fleck enjoyed a breakout track campaign, lowering her personal bests to 5:28.08 in the 1600 meters and 11:20.67 in the 3200 meters. She qualified for the IHSA Class 1A State Meet in both distance events, finishing 35th in the 1600 meters and narrowly missing All State honors with an 11th place finish in the 3200 meters. Those performances demonstrated her rapid improvement and established her as one of the top sophomore sleepers in Class 1A. If she can carry that momentum into the cross country season, Fleck has the potential to make a significant climb in the state rankings this fall.

25. Jadyn Gerardi (Sr., Anna-Jonesboro)

400m: 58.06

800m: 2:23.84

3 Mile: 17:51.80

Jadyn Gerardi enters her senior season as one of the most experienced runners in Class 1A after putting together multiple outstanding championship campaigns in cross country. The Anna Jonesboro standout earned All State honors with a 25th place finish at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet last fall after placing ninth at the state meet in 2023. With a personal best of 17:51.80 for three miles and multiple All State finishes on her resume, Gerardi has consistently proven she can perform when the stakes are highest. Gerardi continued to showcase her versatility during the track season, lowering her personal bests to 58.06 in the 400 meters and 2:23.84 in the 800 meters. She earned All State honors with a sixth place finish in the 400 meters at the IHSA Class 1A State Meet and also qualified in the 4x800 meter relay. Her combination of championship experience, elite speed, and proven cross country success makes her a dangerous competitor entering her final season. If she can build on her already impressive resume, Gerardi has the opportunity to finish her high school career with another strong All State performance at Detweiller.