2026 Pre-Season XC Previews: Middle School Girls Individual Rankings

As another Illinois cross country season approaches, a new wave of middle school talent is ready to make its mark. Across the state, these athletes have already put together impressive resumes through standout performances in cross country, track and field, and national-level competition, setting the stage for what should be an exciting fall. Our preseason rankings highlight the top 25 middle school girls 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. While plenty can change once the season begins, these rankings provide a snapshot of the athletes who have established themselves as Illinois' top contenders heading into the fall.

1. Stella Ciccarelli (8th, Mokena)

800m: 2:23.61

1600m: 5:08.32

2 Mile: 11:30.20

Stella Ciccarelli sits atop the middle school rankings after putting together one of the greatest seasons in Illinois middle school history. The Mokena standout captured the IESA Class 4A state championship in the 1600 meters while breaking the state record with an incredible 5:08.32 performance. She also placed third in the 800 meters at the IESA State Meet, showcasing her outstanding range and establishing herself as one of the nation's premier middle school distance runners. Her success extended well beyond the track. Ciccarelli finished runner up at the IESA Class 3A State Cross Country Championships before earning All American honors with a sixth place finish at the USATF National Cross Country Championships. With personal bests of 2:23.61 in the 800 meters, 5:08.32 in the 1600 meters, and 11:30.20 for two miles, she has already built a resume that rivals the best middle school runners Illinois has ever seen. Entering her final middle school cross country season, Ciccarelli is the clear favorite to add another state title to her already remarkable list of accomplishments.

2. Tessa Mocko (7th, Glen Ellyn [St. Petronille])

400m: 1:02.16

800m: 2:17.03

1600m: 5:06.09

2 Mile: 12:01.40

Tessa Mocko enters the season as one of the nation's premier middle school distance runners after an incredible seventh grade year. The Glen Ellyn St. Petronille standout finished fifth at the IESA Class 2A State Cross Country Meet before carrying that momentum into a spectacular track season. Her combination of endurance, speed, and championship experience has already established her as one of the top middle school athletes in Illinois. Mocko dominated the IESA Class 2A State Track & Field Championships, capturing state titles in the 800 meters, 1600 meters, and sprint medley relay while also placing fifth in the 400 meters. She recorded outstanding personal bests of 1:02.16 in the 400 meters, 2:17.03 in the 800 meters, 5:06.09 in the 1600 meters, and 12:01.40 for two miles, giving her one of the most complete distance resumes in the state. Entering her eighth grade season, Mocko has all the tools to challenge for an individual cross country state championship and continue building one of the most impressive middle school careers in Illinois.

3. Chloe Crim (8th, Shorewood [Troy])

800m: 2:18.22

1600m: 5:13.67

2 Mile: 11:31.50

Chloe Crim enters her final middle school season as one of the top distance runners in Illinois after an outstanding year in both cross country and track. The Shorewood Troy standout finished as the runner up at the IESA Class 4A State Cross Country Championships, establishing herself as one of the state's premier competitors. With a personal best of 11:31.50 for two miles and a proven ability to perform in championship races, Crim enters the season as one of the favorites to compete for a state title. Crim followed up her exceptional cross country season with an equally impressive spring on the track. She captured the IESA Class 4A state championship in the 800 meters while also earning a third place finish in the 1600 meters. Her personal bests of 2:18.22 in the 800 meters and 5:13.67 in the 1600 meters highlight her outstanding combination of speed and endurance, making her one of the most complete middle school distance runners in Illinois. With state championship experience and one of the strongest resumes in the state, Crim enters her eighth grade cross country season as a legitimate contender for the individual title.

4. Julia Farley (8th, Lemont [Old Quarry])

800m: 2:27.18

1600m: 5:14.60

2 Mile: 11:50.20

Julia Farley enters her final middle school season as one of the top contenders in Illinois after an outstanding seventh grade campaign in both cross country and track. The Lemont Old Quarry standout earned a podium finish with third place at the IESA Class 4A State Cross Country Championships before extending her success to the national stage. She capped off the fall by placing 22nd at the USATF National Cross Country Championships to earn All American honors, establishing herself as one of the nation's top middle school distance runners. Farley continued her impressive progression during the track season, recording personal bests of 2:27.18 in the 800 meters, 5:14.60 in the 1600 meters, and 11:50.20 for two miles. She earned runner up honors in the 1600 meters and placed 10th in the 800 meters at the IESA Class 4A State Meet, proving she could compete with the state's best on the track as well. With an All American performance, a state cross country medal, and one of the strongest distance resumes in Illinois, Farley enters her eighth grade season as one of the favorites to compete for a state championship.

5. Callie Ding (8th, Barrington [Station])

800m: 2:23.82

1600m: 5:17.62

2 Mile (TRACK): 11:03.35

2 Mile (XC): 12:02.20

Callie Ding enters her final middle school cross country season as one of the top returning runners in Illinois after another outstanding year against elite competition. The Barrington Station standout placed 10th at the IESA Class 4A State Cross Country Championships before earning a berth to the USATF National Cross Country Championships, where she finished 42nd against one of the strongest fields in the country. Her ability to consistently compete at a high level has established her as one of the premier middle school distance runners in the state. Ding continued her impressive progression during the track season, earning fourth place in the 800 meters and sixth place in the 1600 meters at the IESA Class 4A State Meet while also qualifying in the 4x400 meter relay. She posted outstanding distance marks, including 5:17.62 in the 1600 meters, 11:03.35 for two miles on the track, and an even faster 10:59 performance in the 3200 meters at New Balance Outdoor Nationals. With proven championship experience and one of the strongest distance resumes in the middle school ranks, Ding enters the season as a legitimate contender to finish near the front of the Class 4A state field.

6. Madeline Gatlin (8th, Plainfield [Heritage Grove])

800m: 2:34.01

1600m: 5:33.69

2 Mile: 11:39.00

Madeline Gatlin enters her final middle school season as one of the top distance runners in Illinois despite not competing in the IESA championship series. The Plainfield Heritage Grove standout has consistently proven herself against elite competition through club racing, highlighted by a 45th place finish at the USATF National Cross Country Championships. Racing against national level competition has given Gatlin valuable experience and established her as one of the state's premier middle school distance runners. Gatlin continued her development during the track season, posting personal bests of 2:34.01 in the 800 meters, 5:33.69 in the 1600 meters, and an outstanding 11:39.00 for two miles. Because she does not compete in IESA, she will not have the opportunity to race against many of Illinois' top middle school runners until the club cross country season begins. When that opportunity arrives, Gatlin has the credentials to show she belongs among the state's elite and will be one of the most intriguing runners to watch throughout the fall.

7. Charlize Chick (8th, Petersburg [PORTA])

400m: 1:03.20

800m: 2:25.32

1600m: 5:39.37

2 Mile: 11:44.70

Charlize Chick enters her final middle school cross country season as one of the top returning runners in Illinois after an outstanding seventh grade campaign. The PORTA standout finished fourth at the IESA Class 2A State Cross Country Championships, establishing herself as one of the premier runners in her classification. Her combination of championship experience and middle distance speed makes her one of the leading contenders entering the fall. Chick continued to build on that success during the track season with an impressive all-around performance. She posted personal bests of 1:03.20 in the 400 meters, 2:25.32 in the 800 meters, 5:39.37 in the 1600 meters, and 11:44.70 for two miles. At the IESA Class 3A State Meet, she earned a third place finish in the 800 meters, placed eighth in the 400 meters, and also qualified in the sprint medley relay. Her versatility and proven ability to perform in championship races make Chick one of the top contenders to challenge for a state title in Class 2A cross country during her eighth grade season.

8. Nellie Patton (8th, Evanston [Nichols])

800m: 2:24.90

1600m: 5:14.83

2 Mile: 11:54.90

Nellie Patton enters her final middle school season as one of the more intriguing runners in Illinois after a tremendous breakthrough on the track. The Evanston Nichols standout finished 94th at the IESA Class 4A State Cross Country Championships last fall, but the progress she made during the spring transformed her into one of the state's top middle school distance runners. Her dramatic improvement over the course of the year gives her one of the highest ceilings in the rankings entering the fall. Patton enjoyed an outstanding track season, recording personal bests of 2:24.90 in the 800 meters, 5:14.83 in the 1600 meters, and 11:54.90 for two miles. She earned medals in both distance events at the IESA Class 4A State Meet, placing fourth in the 1600 meters and seventh in the 800 meters against one of the deepest middle school fields in the state. With her newfound track fitness and confidence, Patton has the potential to make one of the biggest jumps during the cross country season and emerge as a serious contender near the front of the Class 4A field.

9. Elizabeth Hull (8th, Chicago [Lane Academic Center])

400m: 1:00.17

800m: 2:19.21

1600m: 5:14.64

2 Mile: 12:47.40

Elizabeth Hull enters her final middle school season as one of the most talented and versatile runners in Illinois after an impressive seventh grade campaign. The Lane Academic Center standout demonstrated the ability to compete at a high level from the 400 meters through the mile, developing into one of the top middle school athletes in the state. Her continued progression and success against strong competition make her one of the most intriguing runners to watch this season. Hull enjoyed an outstanding track campaign, recording personal bests of 1:00.17 in the 400 meters, 2:19.21 in the 800 meters, 5:14.64 in the 1600 meters, and 12:47.40 for two miles. She captured the CPS Score City championship in the 1600 meters and capped off her season by competing at New Balance Outdoor Nationals, where she placed 55th in the middle school 1600 meters against one of the nation's strongest fields. With elite middle distance speed, valuable championship experience, and another year of development, Hull enters her eighth grade cross country season as one of the top contenders in Illinois.

10. Sawyer Smith (8th, Johnsburg)

800m: 2:25.31

1600m: 5:17.93

2 Mile: 11:54.40

Sawyer Smith enters her final middle school season as one of the top returning runners in Illinois after an outstanding seventh grade campaign in both cross country and track. The Johnsburg standout finished fourth at the IESA Class 3A State Cross Country Championships, establishing herself as one of the premier runners in her classification. Her consistency and ability to perform in championship races make her one of the leading contenders entering the fall. Smith followed that success with an exceptional track season, earning runner up finishes in both the 800 meters and the 1600 meters at the IESA Class 3A State Meet while also helping Johnsburg capture the state championship in the sprint medley relay. She posted personal bests of 2:25.31 in the 800 meters, 5:17.93 in the 1600 meters, and 11:54.40 for two miles, giving her one of the strongest distance resumes in the middle school ranks. With multiple state medals already on her resume and another year of experience, Smith enters her eighth grade cross country season as one of the favorites to compete for the Class 3A individual state title.

11. Addison Bronson (8th, Mt. Zion)

800m: 2:29.61

1600m: 5:17.57

2 Mile: 12:01.00

Addison Bronson enters her final middle school season as one of the top returning distance runners in Illinois after an outstanding seventh grade campaign. The Mt. Zion standout finished fifth at the IESA Class 3A State Cross Country Championships, establishing herself as one of the premier runners in her classification. Her ability to consistently compete near the front in championship races makes her one of the leading contenders entering the fall. Bronson continued her success during the track season, recording personal bests of 2:29.61 in the 800 meters, 5:17.57 in the 1600 meters, and 12:01.00 for two miles. She earned a fifth place finish in the 1600 meters and placed 12th in the 800 meters at the IESA Class 4A State Meet while also helping Mt. Zion capture the state championship in the 4x400 meter relay. With proven championship experience, strong track credentials, and another year of development, Bronson enters her eighth grade cross country season as a legitimate contender to improve upon last year's state finish and compete for a place on the podium once again.

12. Leah Moore (8th, Staunton)

800m: 2:24.41

1600m: 5:17.18

2 Mile: 12:19.30

Leah Moore enters her final middle school season as one of the top returning runners in Illinois after an outstanding year that showcased her championship ability on the track. The Staunton standout finished 10th at the IESA Class 2A State Cross Country Championships, establishing herself as one of the top runners in her classification. With valuable championship experience and another year of development, Moore enters the fall poised to build on that strong finish. Moore put together a spectacular track season, capturing IESA Class 3A state championships in both the 800 meters and the 1600 meters while also helping Staunton finish runner up in the 4x400 meter relay. She posted personal bests of 2:24.41 in the 800 meters, 5:17.18 in the 1600 meters, and 12:19.30 for two miles, demonstrating an excellent combination of speed and endurance. As a two time individual state champion with proven success in championship competition, Moore enters her eighth grade cross country season as one of the leading contenders to challenge for a state title.

13. Alexis Garcia (7th, Chicago [O.A. Thorp])

1600m: 5:17.23

3000m: 11:06.40

Alexis Garcia enters the season as one of the top seventh graders in Illinois after an outstanding year that established her as one of the premier young distance runners in the state. The O.A. Thorp standout captured the CPS Score City Cross Country Championship, proving herself against one of the strongest collections of middle school talent in Chicago. She also made a statement on the regional stage by finishing 18th at the Nike Cross Regionals Midwest Championships, demonstrating that she can compete with many of the best middle school runners in the Midwest. Garcia continued her impressive progression during the track season, posting personal bests of 5:17.23 in the 1600 meters and 11:06.40 in the 3000 meters. Those marks rank among the strongest by any returning seventh grader and showcase her tremendous endurance at a young age. With another year of development still ahead of her, Garcia enters the season as one of the brightest young talents in Illinois and a strong contender to compete for a state championship.

14. Kendall Ellermeyer (7th, Murphysboro)

800m: 2:26.31

1600m: 5:17.82

3000m: 11:13.00

Kendall Ellermeyer enters the season as one of the top returning seventh graders in southern Illinois after an outstanding year across both cross country and track. The Murphysboro standout finished as the runner up at the SIJHSAA Class L Cross Country State Championships, establishing herself as one of the premier young distance runners in the region. Her success throughout the year has demonstrated both consistency and the ability to perform at her best in championship competition. Ellermeyer carried that momentum into a dominant track season, capturing SIJHSAA Class L state championships in both the 800 meters and the 1600 meters. She posted impressive personal bests of 2:26.31 in the 800 meters, 5:17.82 in the 1600 meters, and 11:13.00 in the 3000 meters, giving her one of the strongest distance resumes among returning seventh graders. With two individual state titles already to her name and another year of development ahead, Ellermeyer enters the season as one of Illinois' brightest young distance talents and a runner capable of competing with the very best in the state.

15. Sam Deane (8th, Batavia [Rotolo])

800m: 2:38.43

2 Mile: 11:56.40

Sam Deane enters her final middle school season as one of the top returning cross country runners in Illinois after an outstanding seventh grade campaign. The Batavia Rotolo standout earned a fifth place finish at the IESA Class 4A State Cross Country Championships, establishing herself among the state's elite. Her ability to perform in championship races has made her one of the top contenders heading into the fall. Deane continued to build on that success throughout the year, recording personal bests of 2:38.43 in the 800 meters and 11:56.40 for two miles. While her greatest strength is on the cross country course, those performances demonstrate the endurance and toughness that have already made her one of the state's best middle school distance runners. With a top five finish at the state meet already on her resume and another year of experience, Deane enters her eighth grade season as a strong contender to challenge for a place on the podium once again.

16. Alexandra Koulentes (8th, Mt. Prospect [Lincoln])

800m: 2:39.17

1600m: 5:25.08

2 Mile: 11:58.50

Alexandra Koulentes enters her final middle school season as one of the top returning distance runners in Illinois after an impressive seventh grade campaign. The Mt. Prospect Lincoln standout earned a seventh place finish at the IESA Class 4A State Cross Country Championships, establishing herself as one of the premier runners in the state's largest classification. Her championship experience and consistency make her one of the leading contenders entering the fall. Koulentes continued her development during the track season, posting personal bests of 2:39.17 in the 800 meters, 5:25.08 in the 1600 meters, and 11:58.50 for two miles. She also qualified for the IESA Class 4A State Meet in the 1600 meters, finishing 12th against one of the strongest fields in the state. With a top seven finish at the state cross country meet already on her resume and another year of growth ahead, Koulentes enters her eighth grade season as a strong candidate to once again contend for a place among the state's best.

17. Caitlyn Daniel (8th, St. Charles [Thompson])

800m: 2:40.63

1600m: 5:29.08

2 Mile: 11:58.10

Caitlyn Daniel enters her final middle school season as one of the top returning runners in Illinois after a strong seventh grade cross country campaign. The St. Charles Thompson standout earned a top 10 finish at the IESA Class 4A State Cross Country Championships, placing eighth against one of the deepest fields in the state. Her ability to perform on the biggest stage has established her as one of the leading contenders entering the upcoming season. Daniel continued to build on that success during the track season, recording personal bests of 2:40.63 in the 800 meters, 5:29.08 in the 1600 meters, and 11:58.10 for two miles. Those performances demonstrated continued development and provide a solid foundation as she enters her final middle school cross country season. With valuable championship experience and a proven ability to compete among the state's best, Daniel has the potential to once again contend for a top finish at the IESA Class 4A State Championships.

18. Elsie Thomas (8th, Minooka)

2 Mile: 11:59.30

Elsie Thomas enters her final middle school season as one of the top returning cross country runners in Illinois after an impressive seventh grade campaign. The Minooka standout earned a ninth place finish at the IESA Class 4A State Cross Country Championships, establishing herself among the top runners in the state's largest classification. With a personal best of 11:59.30 for two miles, Thomas has already shown she possesses the strength to compete with the best middle school distance runners in Illinois. Thomas also played a key role in Minooka's outstanding relay success during the track season. She helped capture the IESA Class 4A state championship in the sprint medley relay, earned runner up honors in the 4x400 meter relay, and also qualified for the state meet in the 4x200 meter relay, finishing 11th. Her combination of distance strength, relay speed, and championship experience makes her one of the most well-rounded athletes in the field. Entering her eighth grade season, Thomas has the tools to once again finish among the state's top 10 and contend for an even higher placing at the IESA Class 4A State Cross Country Championships.

19. Adelyn Etherton (7th, Mt. Zion)

800m: 2:27.99

1600m: 5:25.24

2 Mile: 11:59.80

Adelyn Etherton enters the season as one of the top returning seventh graders in Illinois after an outstanding year in both cross country and track. The Mt. Zion standout earned a seventh place finish at the IESA Class 3A State Cross Country Championships, establishing herself as one of the state's premier young distance runners. With another full year of middle school competition still ahead of her, Etherton has tremendous upside and is poised to continue climbing the rankings. Etherton carried that success into the track season, recording personal bests of 2:27.99 in the 800 meters, 5:25.24 in the 1600 meters, and 11:59.80 for two miles. She qualified for the IESA Class 4A State Meet in both the 800 meters and 1600 meters, placing 15th and 13th, respectively, while also helping Mt. Zion earn runner up honors in the sprint medley relay. With valuable championship experience, a strong distance resume, and another year of development ahead, Etherton enters the season as one of the brightest young talents in Illinois and a runner capable of contending for a state title in the future.

20. Samantha Chavez (7th, Palatine [Sundling])

800m: 2:24.82

1600m: 5:20.05

2 Mile: 12:07.30

Samantha Chavez enters the season as one of the top returning seventh graders in Illinois after an outstanding year that saw her excel at both the state and national levels. The Palatine Sundling standout earned a 14th place finish at the IESA Class 4A State Cross Country Championships before extending her season to the USATF National Cross Country Championships, where she placed 77th against one of the nation's strongest middle school fields. Those experiences have helped establish Chavez as one of the state's brightest young distance runners. Chavez continued her impressive progression during the track season, posting personal bests of 2:24.82 in the 800 meters, 5:20.05 in the 1600 meters, and 12:07.30 for two miles. She earned medals in both distance events at the IESA Class 4A State Meet, finishing sixth in the 800 meters and seventh in the 1600 meters against one of the deepest fields in Illinois. With another year of middle school competition ahead of her and valuable championship experience already on her resume, Chavez enters the season as one of the top young contenders and a runner with the potential to challenge for a state title in the near future.

21. Maud Nelson (7th, Brimfield)

1600m: 5:34.67

2 Mile: 12:01.40

Maud Nelson enters the season as one of the top returning seventh graders in Illinois after an outstanding year that established her among the state's best young distance runners. The Brimfield standout earned a third place finish at the IESA Class 1A State Cross Country Championships, showcasing her ability to perform at the highest level in championship competition. With another full middle school season still ahead of her, Nelson has already built an impressive foundation for future success. Nelson carried that momentum into the track season, posting personal bests of 5:34.67 in the 1600 meters and 12:01.40 for two miles. She earned a third place finish in the 1600 meters at the IESA Class 2A State Meet while also helping Brimfield place fifth in both the 4x400 meter relay and the sprint medley relay. Her combination of individual success, relay contributions, and championship experience makes her one of the most accomplished returning seventh graders in Illinois. Nelson enters the season as a legitimate contender to once again finish on the state podium in cross country.

22. Collins Schumacher (8th, Aviston Elementary)

1600m: 5:20.80

3000m: 11:02.80

Collins Schumacher enters her final middle school season as one of the top returning runners in southern Illinois after another outstanding year on the track. The Aviston Elementary standout has established herself as one of the premier distance runners in the SIJHSAA ranks and enters the season with one of the strongest distance resumes among returning eighth graders. Her continued improvement over the past year makes her a runner to watch throughout the fall. Schumacher enjoyed an impressive track season, posting personal bests of 5:20.80 in the 1600 meters and 11:02.80 in the 3000 meters. She earned runner up honors in the 1600 meters at the SIJHSAA Class S State Championships and also helped Aviston Elementary capture the Class S state championship in the 4x400 meter relay. Her outstanding 3000 meter performance highlights her strength over longer distances, and with another year of experience, Schumacher enters her final middle school cross country season as one of the top contenders in southern Illinois.

23. Rayleigh Reach (6th, Metamora)

2 Mile: 12:02.50

Rayleigh Reach enters the season as one of the brightest young talents in Illinois after an outstanding fifth grade campaign that established her among the state's top middle school runners. The Metamora standout finished sixth at the IESA Class 3A State Cross Country Championships, an impressive accomplishment at such a young age. Her early success against older competition highlights both her natural talent and her tremendous potential for the years ahead. Reach also proved she could compete on the national stage, finishing 17th at the AAU Cross Country National Championships against one of the strongest youth fields in the country. She owns a personal best of 12:02.50 for two miles, an exceptional mark for a sixth grader that places her among the top young distance runners in Illinois. With two more middle school seasons remaining, Reach has already built an outstanding resume and enters this fall as one of the most exciting young runners to watch in the state.

24. Amelia Yoo (8th, Geneva North)

2 Mile: 12:03.10

Amelia Yoo enters her final middle school season as one of the more intriguing runners in Illinois despite not competing in the IESA state series last fall. The Geneva North standout owns a strong personal best of 12:03.10 for two miles, a mark that places her among the top returning middle school distance runners in the state. While she did not have the opportunity to measure herself against the state's best in championship competition, her performances throughout the year demonstrated that she has the talent to be in that conversation. Without an IESA postseason resume to evaluate, Yoo enters the season as somewhat of a mystery compared to many of the runners ranked around her. However, her distance credentials suggest she has the ability to compete with the state's top middle school athletes. If she has the opportunity to race against the best competition this fall, Yoo has the potential to establish herself as one of the top performers in Illinois and climb even higher in the rankings.

25. Avery Hess (8th, Sullivan)

800m: 2:27.24

1600m: 5:21.70

2 Mile: 12:18.10

Avery Hess enters her final middle school season as one of the top returning runners in Illinois after an outstanding year in both cross country and track. The Sullivan standout finished ninth at the IESA Class 2A State Cross Country Championships, establishing herself among the top runners in her classification. Her ability to consistently perform in championship races has made her one of the leading contenders entering the upcoming season. Hess followed that success with an exceptional track campaign, recording personal bests of 2:27.24 in the 800 meters, 5:21.70 in the 1600 meters, and 12:18.10 for two miles. She earned medals in both individual distance events at the IESA Class 3A State Meet, placing fourth in the 1600 meters and sixth in the 800 meters, while also helping Sullivan finish third in the 4x400 meter relay. With proven championship experience, strong track credentials, and another year of development, Hess enters her eighth grade season as a legitimate contender to improve upon last year's top 10 finish and compete for a place on the state podium once again.