New runners and new goals are shaping the varsity girls cross country team this fall.
Three years ago, the team made history by winning CCS, the Division II state championships and qualifying for Nike Cross Nationals, finishing 19th in the nation.
Now, with new teammates joining the pack and veterans returning from injury, the girls aren’t just chasing fast times — they’re chasing balance.
“A lot of seniors graduated, and we’re not always going to have the same girls running in the top seven,” senior captain Emma Beedon said. “But that’s why we have to switch our goals and come with a different mindset each season.”
Different mindsets also come from fresh outlooks, like junior Cali Barberi, who just transferred to LAHS.
“Everyone’s really pushing themselves this season,” Cali said. “I’ve never been on a team where everyone’s actually into running. At my other school, everyone was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I have to go to practice,’ but here everyone’s so excited.”
Cali isn’t the only one excited — the whole team is, and it’s fostering a positive team culture that pushes all the girls to improve as they look forward to winning league, CCS and finishing top five at state.
“I think there’s this pressure you put on yourself to get certain times, but you also want to run well for your teammates,” sophomore Ellie Witteles said. “Cross country is a team sport so you really want to be there for your team.”
“It’s a good kind of pressure,” Cali said. “We have really high standards because that pressure inspires us to push ourselves.”
Despite change and challenge, the girls cross country team continues to uphold its legacy as teammates and champions.
“We would love to make it to states like we have in the past, and you never know, maybe even nationals,” Ellie said.
“The biggest thing for us is to stay injury-free because we have the potential to do really well,” Emma said. “As long as we stay healthy, the results will come.”
The team is currently ranked 1st in the league and 10th in the state. Their next league race is scheduled for November 4.
