2026 Pre-Season XC Previews: 3A Girls Individual Rankings

Class 3A once again features one of the strongest collections of distance running talent in the country, making the 2026 season one of the most anticipated in recent memory. The classification is loaded with returning All-State performers, state champions, national-caliber athletes, and a wave of emerging stars who are poised for breakout seasons. Our preseason rankings highlight the top 25 individuals entering the 2026 cross country 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. While these rankings reflect each athlete's accomplishments heading into the fall, the season ahead will undoubtedly bring new contenders, thrilling races, and plenty of movement before the state championships arrive in November.

1. Mia Sirois (Sr., Barrington)

1600m: 4:46.30

3200m: 9:44.16

3 Mile: 15:53.40

Mia Sirois enters her senior season as the favorite not only for the Illinois Class 3A state title, but also as one of the premier high school distance runners in the nation. Despite missing her entire junior cross country season due to a fractured fibula, Sirois has returned stronger than ever and compiled a resume that rivals anyone in the country. The Barrington star is already the Illinois state record holder in cross country after running 15:53.40 at Detweiller Park, and she previously demonstrated her championship pedigree with a sixth place finish at Nike Cross Nationals in 2024. Her track season elevated her status to another level. Sirois captured the IHSA Class 3A state championship in the 3200 meters and finished runner up in the 1600 meters while posting outstanding personal bests of 4:46.30 and 9:44.16. She continued her success on the national stage, winning the 5000 meters at New Balance Indoor Nationals, claiming the U20 national title in the 5000 meters this summer, and finishing second in the two mile at the Brooks PR Invitational. As the top underclassman finisher at Brooks PR, she also earned a Golden Ticket and automatic qualification to Brooks Cross Country Nationals. With a fully healthy season ahead of her and an already historic resume, Sirois will be trying to cement herself this fall as the greatest distance runner in state history. 

2. Kara Glenn (Jr., St. Charles North)

800m: 2:05.66

1600m: 4:36.77

3200m: 10:11.59

3 Mile: 16:19.60

Kara Glenn enters the 2026 cross country season as one of the most talented athletes in Illinois regardless of class and a legitimate contender for the state title. The St. Charles North junior was poised to be one of the favorites entering last year's postseason before her season came to a heartbreaking end when doctors discovered three stress fractures in her metatarsal following the regional meet. The injury prevented Glenn from competing during the championship portion of the season, but the performances she delivered before that setback left little doubt about her potential. What followed during track season was one of the most remarkable state meet performances ever produced by an Illinois distance runner. Glenn captured Class 3A state championships in the 800 meters, 1600 meters, and 4x800 meter relay while also finishing second in the 3200 meters despite racing out of the first section. Her personal bests of 2:05.66 in the 800 meters, 4:36.77 in the 1600 meters, and 10:11.59 in the 3200 meters place her among the greatest athletes in state history, ranking No. 2 all time in Illinois in the 800 meters and No. 3 all time in the 1600 meters. Even more impressive is that Glenn has only been training and competing seriously in distance running for roughly a year. With a healthy fall ahead of her and seemingly limitless upside, she enters the season as one of the biggest threats to Mia Sirois and one of the most fascinating athletes in the country to watch.

3. Karlin Janowski (Jr., Elmhurst [York])

1600m: 4:57.19

3200m: 10:24.62

3 Mile: 16:10.00

Karlin Janowski enters her junior season as the defending IHSA Class 3A state champion and one of the most accomplished cross country runners in Illinois. The York standout has established herself as one of the state's premier championship racers, culminating with a state title at Detweiller last fall. While her track personal bests of 4:57.19 in the 1600 meters, 10:24.62 in the 3200 meters, and 16:10.00 for three miles are certainly impressive, Janowski has consistently shown throughout her high school career that cross country is where she is at her best. That ability to excel on the grass was reinforced throughout the year. During track season, Janowski placed fourth in the 3200 meters and 11th in the 1600 meters at the IHSA State Meet before finishing 12th in the 5000 meters at New Balance Indoor Nationals against elite national competition. Yet her strongest performances have often come during the cross country season, where her racing instincts, toughness, and ability to perform in championship environments have separated her from many of her competitors. As the defending state champion, Janowski will once again be one of the top contenders entering the fall, and her proven success at Detweiller makes her a serious threat to repeat.

4. Victoria Tarara (Jr., Barrington)

1600m: 5:00.06

3200m: 10:19.75

3 Mile: 16:50.40

Victoria Tarara enters her junior season as one of the fastest rising stars in Illinois and a runner who could be on the verge of joining the national elite. The Barrington standout enjoyed a tremendous sophomore campaign that began with a breakthrough cross country season and continued into the spring, where she took another major step forward. Tarara finished eighth at the IHSA Class 3A State Cross Country Meet, establishing herself as one of the state's top young talents and setting the stage for an even more impressive track season. Over the final weeks of the spring, Tarara emerged as one of the hottest distance runners in Illinois. She lowered her personal bests to 5:00.06 in the 1600 meters and 10:19.75 in the 3200 meters before placing third in the latter at the IHSA State Meet. Her improvement throughout the year was remarkable, and the trajectory of her development bears a striking resemblance to the path Mia Sirois followed early in her high school career. With a personal best of 16:50.40 for three miles, a proven ability to improve rapidly, and one of the highest ceilings in the state, Tarara enters the fall as a legitimate contender to make another major leap and establish herself among the nation's top distance runners.

5. Avery Hacker (Sr., Batavia)

1600m: 4:53.79

3200m: 10:28.40

3 Mile: 16:14.00

Avery Hacker enters her senior season as one of the leading contenders for Top 5 honors and a runner with proven success at every level of competition. The Batavia standout put together an exceptional junior year, highlighted by a runner up finish at the IHSA Class 3A State Cross Country Meet and a 14th place finish at NXR Midwest to earn All Region honors. Her 16:14.00 personal best for three miles ranks among the top returning marks in the state and reflects the consistency she displayed throughout an outstanding fall campaign. Hacker carried that momentum into the track season, where she continued to establish herself among Illinois' elite distance runners. She posted personal bests of 4:53.79 in the 1600 meters and 10:28.40 in the 3200 meters while placing seventh in the latter and 16th in the former at the IHSA State Meet. She also won the High School Division at Magis Miles and capped off her season with a strong 25th place finish in the two mile at Nike Outdoor Nationals. With championship experience, national level exposure, and a history of performing at her best in major races, Hacker enters her final high school cross country season as one of the strongest contenders in Class 3A.

6. Molly Mocko (Fr., Glen Ellyn [Glenbard West])

800m: 2:14.50

1600m: 4:50.60

3200m: 10:24.85

Few freshmen in Illinois history have entered high school with a resume that compares to Molly Mocko's. The Glen Ellyn St. Petronille graduate concluded one of the greatest middle school careers the state has ever seen, earning an incredible nine IESA individual state championships while establishing herself as the most accomplished middle school athlete in Illinois history. She consistently dominated the state's best competition and capped off her middle school career by proving she could compete with the nation's elite. Mocko's track credentials are already among the best in the state regardless of grade level. She owns personal bests of 2:14.50 in the 800 meters, 4:50.60 in the 1600 meters, and 10:24.85 in the 3200 meters. She also earned a third place finish in the middle school two mile and a seventh place finish in the middle school mile at New Balance Outdoor Nationals, further cementing her status as one of the nation's top young distance runners. With an unmatched middle school resume, elite championship experience, and the talent to immediately compete at the highest level, Mocko enters her freshman season as one of the most exciting newcomers in Illinois cross country.

7. Marlie Czarniewski (Sr., Plainfield North)

1600m: 4:57.52

3200m: 10:23.94

3 Mile: 16:51.40

Marlie Czarniewski enters her senior season as one of the most accomplished and consistent distance runners in Illinois. The Plainfield North standout continued her steady progression throughout her junior year, building upon an already impressive resume with another strong cross country and track campaign. Czarniewski finished ninth at the IHSA Class 3A State Cross Country Meet and posted a 16:51.40 personal best for three miles, proving once again that she belongs among the state's top competitors. Rather than experiencing one dramatic breakout, Czarniewski has established herself through consistent improvement year after year. That trend continued during the track season, where she lowered her personal bests to 4:57.52 in the 1600 meters and 10:23.94 in the 3200 meters while earning a fifth place finish in the latter at the IHSA State Meet. Her development and reliability have made her one of the most respected distance runners in the state, and she further solidified her future this summer by committing to Michigan State University. Heading into her final high school cross country season, Czarniewski possesses the experience, fitness, and championship pedigree necessary to contend for another All State finish and potentially challenge for a place near the front of the field at Detweiller.

8. Macy Ermitage (Jr., Downers Grove North)

1600m: 4:52.23

3200m: 10:39.32

3 Mile: 16:19.10

Macy Ermitage enters her junior season as one of the premier returning cross country runners in Illinois after an outstanding sophomore campaign. The Downers Grove North standout established herself among the state's elite last fall, finishing third at the IHSA Class 3A State Cross Country Meet before backing that performance up with a seventh place finish at NXR Midwest. Her 16:19.10 personal best for three miles ranks among the fastest returning marks in the state and highlights her ability to compete at a high level against both in-state and regional competition. Ermitage continued her success into the track season, where she posted personal bests of 4:52.23 in the 1600 meters and 10:39.32 in the 3200 meters. One of the defining moments of her spring came at Magis Miles, where she delivered a massive breakthrough performance to run 4:52 and establish herself as one of Illinois' top middle distance talents. She also earned a 10th place finish in the 3200 meters at the IHSA State Meet, showcasing her versatility and strength across multiple distances. With All State credentials, national caliber cross country results, and continued improvement on the track, Ermitage enters the fall as a legitimate contender to challenge for the state title and solidify her place among the best runners in Illinois.

9. Allison Shutler (Jr., Chicago [St. Ignatius])

3 Mile: 16:15.00

Allison Shutler enters the season as one of the biggest question marks and potentially one of the biggest threats in the entire Class 3A field. The St. Ignatius junior established herself as one of Illinois' premier runners last fall, finishing fourth at the IHSA Class 3A State Cross Country Meet and posting an outstanding personal best of 16:15.00 for three miles. At her best, Shutler has already proven she can compete with virtually anyone in the state, making her one of the most talented athletes in this year's rankings. What makes her placement particularly intriguing is that she did not compete during the track season as she focused on addressing barriers that had been affecting her for some time. While her absence leaves some uncertainty entering the fall, it also creates the possibility of a major resurgence if she is able to return healthy. Few runners in Illinois possess the combination of talent and championship credentials that Shutler brings to the table. If she returns to the form that carried her to a fourth place finish at Detweiller last season, she has all the tools necessary to reestablish herself among the state's elite and contend for one of the top spots in Class 3A this fall.

10. Lennox Szymonik (So., Algonquin [Jacobs])

1600m: 4:51.12

3200m: 10:33.15

3 Mile: 16:39.90

Lennox Szymonik enters her sophomore season as one of the brightest young stars in Illinois and one of the top returning underclassmen in Class 3A. The Jacobs standout wasted little time establishing herself among the state's elite during her freshman campaign, winning nine races throughout the cross country season before finishing an impressive 10th at the IHSA Class 3A State Cross Country Meet. Her 16:39.90 personal best for three miles and consistent success throughout the fall demonstrated a maturity well beyond her years. Szymonik carried that momentum into the track season, where she continued to shine against the state's best competition. She posted personal bests of 4:51.12 in the 1600 meters and 10:33.15 in the 3200 meters. She finished fourth in the 1600 meters at the IHSA State Meet after scratching from the 3200 meters and later placed sixth in the freshman division two mile at New Balance Outdoor Nationals, adding valuable national level experience to an already impressive resume. With a year of championship racing under her belt and tremendous upside still ahead, Szymonik enters the fall as one of the favorites to earn All State honors once again and a runner capable of climbing even higher in the state rankings.

11. Angelica Hil (Sr., Barrington)

1600m: 4:53.03

3200m: 10:25.72

3 Mile: 17:12.30

Angelica Hil enters her senior season after another year of tremendous growth, continuing the upward trajectory that has made her one of the most improved distance runners in Illinois. The Barrington standout enjoyed a strong cross country campaign last fall, finishing 22nd at the IHSA Class 3A State Cross Country Meet before carrying that momentum into a breakout track season. During the spring, Hil posted personal bests of 4:53.03 in the 1600 meters and 10:25.72 in the 3200 meters while earning a 10th place finish in the 1600 meters at the IHSA State Meet. She also helped Barrington place seventh in the 4x800 meter relay and capped her season with a 20th place finish in the two mile at New Balance Outdoor Nationals. Her 17:12.30 personal best for three miles does not fully capture the progress she has made over the past year, and her consistent improvement suggests there may be another breakthrough ahead. With national level experience, state meet success, and the confidence that comes from continued development, Hil enters her final cross country season as a runner capable of making a significant move up the rankings.

12. Mia Forystek (Sr., New Lenox [Lincoln-Way Central])

800m: 2:09.17

1600m: 4:49.86

3 Mile: 17:18.90

Mia Forystek enters her senior season as one of the most accomplished middle distance runners in Illinois and a runner capable of making a significant jump on the cross country course. The Lincoln Way Central standout narrowly missed All State honors last fall, finishing 28th at the IHSA Class 3A State Cross Country Meet, just three places shy of the podium. Her 17:18.90 personal best for three miles and strong championship experience provide a solid foundation heading into her final cross country season. Forystek enjoyed a spectacular track campaign, establishing herself among the state's elite. She ran a blazing 2:09.17 to finish third in the 800 meters at the IHSA State Meet, a time that would have been enough to win the state title in many seasons but came during arguably the deepest and fastest 800 meter final in Illinois history. She also added a sixth place finish in the 1600 meters and lowered her personal best to 4:49.86 during the season, demonstrating outstanding range and endurance. With elite speed, valuable championship experience, and the motivation of just missing All State last fall, Forystek enters her senior season as a strong candidate to move well up the rankings and become one of the top cross country runners in Class 3A.

13. Ainsley Carter (Sr., Chicago [Lane])

1600m: 4:53.34

3200m: 10:51.80

3 Mile: 17:34.90

Ainsley Carter enters her senior season as one of the biggest breakout candidates in Illinois after a remarkable transformation during the 2026 track season. The Lane standout made one of the largest jumps of any distance runner in the state, lowering her personal best to an outstanding 4:53.34 in the 1600 meters with a breakthrough performance at Magis Miles. While her 58th place finish at the IHSA Class 3A State Cross Country Meet last fall does not place her among the top returning finishers, her rapid development over the past year suggests she is a much different athlete entering this season. Carter backed up her breakthrough with several impressive championship performances throughout the spring. She earned an eighth place finish in the 1600 meters at the IHSA State Meet, helped Lane place third in the 4x800 meter relay, and was part of the Distance Medley Relay squad that finished eighth at New Balance Indoor Nationals while setting a new Illinois state record. Her 10:51.80 personal best in the 3200 meters also reflects her continued development as a true distance runner. If Carter can translate the fitness and confidence she gained during her breakout track season onto the cross country course, she has the potential to make one of the biggest climbs in the state rankings this fall.

14. Tessie Bradley (Sr., Park Ridge [Maine South])

1600m: 5:04.17

3200m: 10:37.20

3 Mile: 17:09.00

Tessie Bradley enters her senior season as one of the more consistent returning distance runners in Class 3A after building on her success throughout her junior year. The Maine South standout took a significant step forward during the cross country season, developing into one of the state's top competitors and finishing 19th at the IHSA Class 3A State Cross Country Meet. Her personal best of 17:09.00 for three miles reflects the progress she made over the course of the fall and gives her a strong foundation entering her final season. Bradley carried that momentum into the track season, where she continued to improve and established herself among Illinois' top two milers. She posted personal bests of 5:04.17 in the 1600 meters and 10:37.20 in the 3200 meters, with her 3200 meter personal best coming at the IHSA State Meet, where she finished eighth against one of the deepest fields in the country. Peaking on the biggest stage is a trait shared by many of the state's top runners, and Bradley demonstrated exactly that during the spring. With steady improvement over the past year and proven championship experience, she enters her senior season as a strong contender to earn All State honors once again and continue climbing the Class 3A rankings.

15. Ella Satre (Sr., Hinsdale Central)

1600m: 5:02.55

3200m: 10:46.41

3 Mile: 16:59.20

Ella Satre enters her senior season looking to build on the momentum from a breakout junior campaign that established her as one of the top distance runners in Class 3A. The Hinsdale Central standout enjoyed a tremendous cross country season last fall, finishing 12th at the IHSA Class 3A State Cross Country Meet while lowering her personal best to 16:59.20 for three miles. That breakthrough firmly placed her among the state's top returning runners and showed she has the ability to compete with the best at Detweiller. Satre continued her strong form into the track season, posting personal bests of 5:02.55 in the 1600 meters and 10:46.41 in the 3200 meters. She highlighted her spring with a runner up finish at the Illinois Indoor Championships before placing 12th in the 3200 meters at the IHSA State Meet, proving that her cross country success was no fluke. With a full year of confidence gained from her breakout season and experience competing on championship stages, Satre enters her final high school cross country campaign as a legitimate All State contender with the potential to climb even higher in the Class 3A rankings.

16. Julia Rodney (Sr., St. Charles North)

800m: 2:11.89

1600m: 4:55.72

3200m: 11:05.43

Julia Rodney enters her senior season as one of the most intriguing runners in Class 3A after overcoming adversity and putting together a breakout track campaign this spring. The St. Charles North standout saw her 2025 cross country season come to an early end because of injury. Her last full cross country season came as a sophomore, when she placed 33rd at the IHSA Class 3A State Meet, giving a glimpse of the talent she possesses when healthy. Rodney returned in outstanding form during the track season, emerging as one of the state's top distance runners. She posted impressive personal bests of 2:11.89 in the 800 meters, 4:55.72 in the 1600 meters, and a stellar 11:05.43 in the 3200 meters. She added a ninth place finish in the 800 meters at the IHSA State Meet and played a pivotal role on St. Charles North's state championship 4x800 meter relay, which set a new Illinois state record of 8:54.50. If Rodney can carry her breakout track fitness into a healthy cross country season, she has the talent to make a dramatic climb in the rankings and establish herself among the top runners in the state this fall.

17. Graceleen Mabry (So., Arlington Heights [Hersey])

1600m: 5:07.70

3200m: 10:46.03

3 Mile: 17:03.20

Graceleen Mabry enters her sophomore season as one of the top returning underclassmen in Class 3A after an outstanding freshman year that showcased both consistency and championship poise. The Hersey standout immediately established herself as one of Illinois' best young distance runners, finishing 14th at the IHSA Class 3A State Cross Country Meet while posting an impressive personal best of 17:03.20 for three miles. Competing at that level as a freshman is a rare accomplishment and provides a strong foundation for the years ahead. Mabry continued to impress throughout the track season, recording personal bests of 5:07.70 in the 1600 meters and 10:46.03 in the 3200 meters. She qualified for the IHSA State Meet in both events, finishing 19th in the 1600 meters and 11th in the 3200 meters against one of the nation's deepest state meet fields. With valuable championship experience already under her belt and plenty of room for continued development, Mabry enters the fall as one of the state's brightest young talents and a strong candidate to improve on her All State caliber performances from a year ago.

18. Gwen Hobson (Sr., St. Charles North)

800m: 2:15.02

1600m: 4:59.72

3 Mile: 17:01.30

Gwen Hobson enters her senior season after emerging as one of the biggest surprises of last year's cross country postseason. The St. Charles North standout delivered a huge breakthrough performance at the IHSA Class 3A State Cross Country Meet, placing 13th and earning All State honors while lowering her personal best to 17:01.30 for three miles. That performance capped an outstanding fall and established Hobson as one of the top returning runners in Illinois heading into her final season. She carried that momentum into an exceptional track campaign, showcasing her versatility across multiple events. Hobson ran personal bests of 2:15.02 in the 800 meters and 4:59.72 in the 1600 meters, placing 12th in the latter at the IHSA State Meet. She also played a key role on St. Charles North's state championship 4x800 meter relay that set the Illinois state record at 8:54.50 and qualified for the state meet in the 4x400 meter relay, finishing 16th. With proven championship experience, continued development, and one of the strongest supporting resumes in the state, Hobson enters her senior season as a strong contender to earn All State honors once again while helping lead another talented St. Charles North squad.

19. Samantha Lobacz (Jr., Mt. Prospect [Prospect])

1600m: 5:04.32

3200m: 10:45.91

3 Mile: 18:14.90

Samantha Lobacz enters her junior season as one of the most intriguing improvement stories in Illinois. Just one year ago, she did not crack Prospect's top seven for the IHSA Class 3A State Cross Country Meet, and her fall season was hampered by an injury after the Richard Spring Invitational, where she ran her personal best of 18:14.90 for three miles. Her transformation became evident during the track season as she emerged as one of the state's fastest improving distance runners. Lobacz lowered her personal bests to 5:04.32 in the 1600 meters and 10:45.91 in the 3200 meters, with her two mile breakthrough coming at the sectional meet before she went on to finish 14th at the IHSA State Meet. The progress she made from the fall to the spring was remarkable, and if she can stay healthy and carry that momentum into cross country, Lobacz has the potential to make one of the biggest jumps in Class 3A and establish herself as a legitimate All State contender this season.

20. Natalie Nahs (Sr., Minooka)

800m: 2:11.14

1600m: 4:59.48

3 Mile: 17:07.90

Natalie Nahs enters her senior season as one of the most well rounded returning runners in Class 3A after an impressive junior campaign in both cross country and track. The Minooka standout earned an 18th place finish at the IHSA Class 3A State Cross Country Meet, establishing herself as one of the state's top competitors while posting a strong personal best of 17:07.90 for three miles. That All State performance provides an excellent foundation as she enters her final high school cross country season. Nahs elevated her profile even further during the track season with her combination of middle distance speed and distance strength. She ran personal bests of 2:11.14 in the 800 meters and 4:59.48 in the 1600 meters, breaking the five minute barrier with an outstanding performance at Magis Miles. She went on to place sixth in the 800 meters at the IHSA State Meet and also qualified in the 4x400 meter relay, finishing 24th. With elite closing speed, proven success in championship races, and continued improvement throughout the past year, Nahs enters the fall as a strong contender to build on her All State finish and move even higher in the Class 3A rankings.

21. Brynn Bartkus (Fr., Downers Grove South)

1600m: 4:59.07

3000m: 10:18.44

Brynn Bartkus enters her freshman season after putting together one of the most decorated middle school distance careers in Illinois. The Downers Grove South newcomer won the 2025 IESA Class 1A State Cross Country Championship and finished her middle school career as a four time IESA All-Stater, consistently performing at the highest level in championship competition. Her ability to deliver in the biggest races makes her one of the top freshmen to watch this fall. Bartkus carried that success into the track season, posting personal bests of 4:59.07 in the 1600 meters and 10:18.44 for 3000 meters. She earned third place in the 1600 meters at the IESA Class 2A State Meet while also helping her team finish third in the sprint medley relay. With proven championship experience, outstanding range, and a strong foundation built through a highly successful middle school career, Bartkus has all the tools to make an immediate impact for Downers Grove South this cross country season.

22. Miriam Eynon (So., Winnetka [New Trier])

3 Mile: 17:03.40

Miriam Eynon enters her sophomore season as one of the most intriguing young talents in Illinois after an outstanding freshman cross country campaign. The New Trier standout wasted little time making an impact at the varsity level, finishing 16th at the IHSA Class 3A State Cross Country Meet while running 17:03.40 for three miles. Earning All State honors as a freshman is an impressive accomplishment in one of the nation's deepest state meets and speaks to both her talent and maturity as a racer. Unlike many of the other top returners, Eynon did not compete during the track season, choosing instead to play soccer in the spring. As a result, she enters the fall without any new track marks to evaluate, but her cross country resume alone makes her one of the top returning runners in the state. With another year of growth and experience under her belt, Eynon has tremendous upside heading into her sophomore season. If she builds on the success of her freshman year, she has all the tools to emerge as one of the leading contenders for a top finish at Detweiller this fall.

23. Haley Rahman (Sr., Huntley)

800m: 2:16.71

1600m: 5:01.37

3200m: 10:56.73

3 Mile: 17:31.20

Haley Rahman enters her senior season as a runner who appears poised to make a significant jump in Class 3A after showing steady improvement throughout the past year. The Huntley standout consistently progressed over the course of the cross country season, ultimately finishing 40th at the IHSA Class 3A State Cross Country Meet while posting a personal best of 17:31.20 for three miles. Although she finished outside the All State positions, her improvement throughout the fall suggested she was beginning to put all the pieces together. Rahman continued that upward trajectory during the track season, making impressive gains across multiple events. She lowered her personal bests to 2:16.71 in the 800 meters, 5:01.37 in the 1600 meters, and 10:56.73 in the 3200 meters while qualifying for the IHSA State Meet in the 1600 meters, 4x400 meter relay, and 4x800 meter relay. Her versatility and continued development make her an intriguing name entering the fall. If she can build upon the progress she made throughout both cross country and track, Rahman has the potential to make a substantial climb in the state rankings and contend for an All State finish in her final high school season.

24. Paige Joachim (Sr., Minooka)

800m: 2:16.23

1600m: 5:01.89

3 Mile: 18:34.20

Paige Joachim enters her senior season as one of the biggest breakout candidates in Class 3A after a remarkable transformation during the 2026 track season. The Minooka standout had a good cross country campaign last fall, finishing 159th at the IHSA Class 3A State Meet, but she returned in the spring as a completely different athlete. Her dramatic improvement makes her one of the most intriguing runners to watch heading into the fall, as her cross country results no longer reflect her current ability. Joachim enjoyed one of the state's biggest breakthroughs on the track, lowering her personal bests to 2:16.23 in the 800 meters and 5:01.89 in the 1600 meters. She produced one of her best performances at the sectional meet, winning the 1600 meters in a personal best 5:01, before finishing 15th in the event at the IHSA State Meet. She also qualified in both the 4x800 meter relay and 4x400 meter relay, finished runner up in the 800 meters at Illinois Top Times, and helped Minooka capture the Illinois Top Times championship in the 4x800 meter relay. If Joachim can carry the confidence and fitness from her breakout track season onto the cross country course, she has the potential to make one of the biggest jumps in the state rankings this fall.

25. Nicole Mayer (Sr., St. Charles East)

800m: 2:12.78

1600m: 5:01.98

3 Mile: 17:43.60

Nicole Mayer enters her senior season as one of the most intriguing names in Class 3A after a breakout track campaign that dramatically raised her ceiling heading into the fall. The St. Charles East standout did not qualify for the IHSA Class 3A State Cross Country Meet last season, but the athlete she became during the spring is vastly different from the one who competed last fall. Her rapid improvement makes her a legitimate candidate to make one of the biggest jumps in the state rankings this season. Mayer enjoyed an outstanding track season, lowering her personal bests to 2:12.78 in the 800 meters and 5:01.98 in the 1600 meters while establishing herself as one of the state's top middle distance runners. She placed 12th in the 800 meters at the IHSA State Meet and also helped St. Charles East finish sixth in the 4x400 meter relay, showcasing her versatility and speed. With the confidence gained from a breakout spring and a level of fitness she has never entered a cross country season with before, Mayer has the potential to emerge as a surprise contender for All State honors in her final high school campaign.