3A Girls has possibly been the best classification over the past few years with a lot of changing in guard between a few different teams. This year looks to once again another great year to watch as we will see many of these teams matchup during the regular season.
25. Hinsdale Central
Head Coach: Mark McCabe
Last Year's Finish: 13th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Lily Hodneland (Jr.), Ella Satre (So.), Evelyn Skay (So.), Addie Krogstie (Jr.), Morgan Kohn (So.), Lucy McCormick (So.), Sophia Molfese (Jr.), Sam Guereca (Jr.), Ella Gray (Jr.)
New Additions: Marin Barkus (Fr.), Grace Gruber (Jr.)
Coach McCabe's Outlook: It's hard to believe, but there are no sensors in our "varsity group" this year. Needless to say, we will be a very young team, and one which will progress steadily throughout the season. While young, we do have four runners with state meet experience, Lily Hodneland (2:14,5:02 in track) and Ella Satre (11: 36) will both be greatly improved in their second years of cross country, along with many of their teammates. As is typically the case, we've had a good consistent summer of training. The girls have developed a good bind and continuing to build on the culture and tradition passed down to them by their older, graduated teammates. Leaders are doing a great job of fostering a positive + inclusive group. We stress and pride ourselves on carrying the HC tradition, and take pride in our "body of work". In the past 23 years, we've been top 11 at state 14 times (including 8 in the top 5). Last year was only the 2nd year since 2003 when we didn't have at least one all-state runner. Its important to our girls that they leave their mark + carry on that tradition. The girls and i have high hopes for this team both this year and beyond. And as always, our goals to be the very best we can be. If that happens, results will take care of themselves.
24. Wilmette (Loyola Academy)
Head Coach/Coaches: ChrisJon Simon / Katie Seeberg
Last Year's Finish: 27th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Jane Lynch (Sr.), Ana Kimball (Sr.), Elle Anderson (Sr.), Katie Mueller (Jr.), Erin Gibbons (Jr.), Presely Zimmerman (So.)
New Additions: Molly Robson (Sr.)
Coach Simon's Outlook: Led by a strong and veteran senior class the expectation is another run at state. This group has competed at state the past three years. Our front runner is Jane Lynch with her goal is simply all-state. If others step it up and are all over 18:30 we will field a very competitive team.
23. Winnetka (New Trier)
Head Coach/Coaches: John Burnside
Last Year's Finish: 23rd @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Josie Cahill (Sr.), Sadie Abbott (Sr.), Kayla Ritchie (So.), Sawyer Vyas (Jr.), Margaret Canmann (So.), Addison Melsher (Sr.), Caidyn Lowry (Sr.), Matilda Freeborn (So.)
Carson's Outlook: The Trevians enter this season with a very good roster of runners. They had a total of 158 girls run a 3 mile race last season. With those kind of numbers it is excited as you never know who could breakout and have a great season. Josie Cahill looks to lead the team again. She had a great track season running 10:52 in the 3200m. She will be knocking on the door of 17:00. Kayla Ritchie and Sadie Abbott both had great track seasons running 5:24 and 5:26 in the 1600m respectively. Addison Melsher also shown great progress through the 1600m running 5:37.
22. Edwardsville
Head Coach/Coaches: George Patrylak / Keri Burmester, Alexis Keller and Adam McClean
Last Year's Finish: 11th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Madison Popelar (Jr.), Ella Thompson (So.), Antonella DeAvilia (Jr.), Ava Horsfall (So.)
New Additions: Morgan Popelar (Fr.), Williow Jackson (Fr.), Alex Wolfe (Fr.)
Coach Patrylak's Outlook: I believe that this team has the talent to be the best team in school history. I have been careful to focus on the team atmosphere and culture, while slowly building a base. I will recommend that you not judge this team too quickly. I think we will see progress throughout the year and ultimately try to continue our streak of qualifying for State and cracking the top ten. That is the goal of this team. With a little luck and some good health, it is a possibility.
21. Park Ridge (Maine South)
Head Coach/Coaches: Jeffrey Downing / Kathleen Durkin, Sheila Miller, Sarah Kirkorsky
Last Year's Finish: 19th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Sofia Arcuri (Sr.), Tessie Bradley (So.), Lucia Fuentes (Jr.), Luisa Arcuri (Sr.), Lilly Handley (So.), Ally Seurynck (Sr.), Sophia Iniguez (So.), Isla Craig-Naples (So.), Jill Etchason (So.), Sarah Mendoza (So.)
New Additions: Emma Fuentes (Fr.), Abby Seurynck (Fr.)
Coach Downing's Outlook: If we stay healthy, we should be good up front with Sofia Arcuri & Tessie Bradley, and we hope will be next in with a combination of Lucia Fuentes, Ally Seurynck, Lilly Handley, Luisa Arcuri, and Sophia Iniguez. My expectation is that will get better as the season progresses and will work hard to be fit and ready for the final 4 weeks of the season!
20. Naperville Central
Head Coach/Coaches: Matt Blondell / Aislinn Hicks and Sarah Braun
Last Year's Finish: 6th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Macy Bjork (Jr.), Katelyn Burke (So.), Sophia Dussias (Sr.), Natalie Enright (Jr.), Soli Karagianis (Sr.), Brynn Miller (Sr.), Allie Opalka (Sr.), Lydia Park (Sr.), Lauren Quigg (So.), Lola Satre-Morales (Sr.), Eloise Graft (Jr.)
Coach Blondell's Outlook: This season, our team is poised for a strong performance despite losing four key runners to graduation. We're experiencing our best summer in recent years in terms of commitment, with the entire team dedicated to improving. Our seniors are stepping up, ready to lead and positively impact the underclassmen. Lola Satre-Morales is expected to lead the way for us, setting the pace for the rest of the team. For us to excel in big meets, it's crucial that our 2-5 runners stay as close to her as possible. With this collective effort and determination, we're optimistic about our prospects this season.
19. Lake Zurich
Head Coach: Jeremy Kauffman
Last Year's Finish: 25th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Celia Blaylock (So.), Polina Krupsky (Jr.), Ruby Nissen (Jr.), Hannah Gillhaus (Jr.), Bianca Perez (Sr.), SAvery Muhr (So.)
New Additions: Trish Johnson (Fr.), Jackie Bernardo (Fr.), Karolina Borg (Fr.)
Coach Kauffman's Outook: In Conference we always have great runners and our league in the NSC as whole is strong. Clearly at the Hoffman Sectional those are the Teams that are some of the States best every year. We are looking to be Top 5 at Sectionals this year if we stay healthy. We are not a deep team. I do believe we are on a path to be qualifying consistently now as we only lose 1 SR in the starting 8 and we have phenomenal 8th graders coming in next year that actually this summer ran as our #1
18. Normal Community West
Head Coach: Chad Aubin
Last Year's Finish: 8th @ 3A Granite City Sectional
Key Returners: Julie Bach (Jr.), Renee Warren (Jr.), Amanda Warren (Jr.), Kylie Zimmerman (So.), Stella Pabst (Sr.), Gwen Rodts (So.), Laina Fulkerson (So.), Cloe Van Heuklon (So.), Lauren Jones (Sr.)
Carson's Outlook: The Wildcats have flipped between 2A and 3A over the last few classification cycles. This program hasnt qualified for state in the big classification since 2010. They will be looking to break that streak this season. Led by the duo of Julie Bach and Renee Warren who had great track seasons running 11:05 and 11:06 in the 3200m. They will be competing for all-state spots in November. Amanda Warren is a great 3rd runner for this group as she sports a PR of 18:22.
17. Naperville (Neuqua Valley)
Head Coach: Matt Johnson
Last Year's Finish: 7th @ 3A Naperville North Regional
Key Returners: Elizabeth Hall (Sr.), Sienna McEneaney (Sr.), Addison Guskey (So.), Ariana Namvar (So.), Olivia Dalson (Jr.), Valentina Namvar (So.), Katelyn Shen (Sr.), Iris Li (So.)
Carson's Outlook: The Wildcats haven't qualified for the state meet since 2016, but look to change that this year. Elizabeth Hall had a great track season running 10:58 in the 3200m. She will be in all-state contention in November. Sienna McEneaney also looked great over the track season running 5:18 in the 1600m. She will be a great 2nd runner. Addison Guskey and Ariana Namvar both enter the season with some intrigue in both of them. They should both be in the mid 18:00s. Olivia Dalson was the state runner-up in the long jump during track but, she is a pretty good cross country runner in her own right. If she can muster up a sub 19:00 performance that will really help this group.
16. St. Charles North
Head Coach: Shari Hayes
Last Year's Finish: 11th @ 3A Lake Park Sectional
Key Returners: Gwen Hobson (So.), Norah Dorrance (Sr.), Tia Kilroy (Sr.), Alyssa Oblak (So.), Juliana Gonzalez (So.)
New Additions: Julia Rodney (So.), Madison Manny (So.)
Carson's Outlook: The Northstars last qualified for the state meet in 2021 and looking to change that stats this fall. They had an excellent track season with some new faces to the program. Gwen Hobson and Julia Rodney which both athletes should be under 18:00 this season. Norah Dorrence and Madison Manny both had great track seasons running 11:54 and 12:00 in the 3200m.
15. Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West)
Head Coach/Coaches: Paul Hass / Mark Staron and Kelly Hass
Last Year's Finish: 24th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Alexa Novak (Jr.), Mackenzie Gilbert (Jr.), Ella Demchinski (Jr.), Lauren Bennett (So.), Maia Kaslewicz (Sr.)
Coach Hass' Outlook: If we are going to achieve our fall goals we will have to develop into a pack team that improves throughout the season. Alexa Novak and Mackenzie Gilbert were key contributors on our 4th place 4 x 800 relay team last spring and they will likely be our team leaders in cross country. Though we did not have a large number of athletes attend our summer camp, the girls who will likely be contributors on our varsity squad were consistent attendees who put in the work. Though it may take several weeks before we find our team identity, if we continue to work and perform the little things that contribute to staying healthy, we should prove to be a competitive team by the state series.
14. New Lenox (Lincoln-Way Central)
Head Coach/Coaches: Ryan Stapinski / Becky Cherry, Hanna Bansley, Karen Clifton, Cara Anderson
Last Year's Finish: 22nd @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Brea Counihan (So.), Mia Forystek (So.), Ava Dughetti (Jr.), Jillian Davies (So.), Ruby Hillegass (Sr.), Katie Petrosky (So.), Aubrey Shipman (Jr.)
New Additions: Keira Faxel (Fr.), Reese Hundley (Fr.), Madison Hundley (Fr.), Callie Barker (Jr.), Macy Gallagher (Jr.)
Coach Stapinski's Outlook: From what I have seen this summer, we will have a very deep team. We return 4 very strong varsity runners and have 8 other girls competing for the last 3 varsity spots. Even though we graduated 3 strong runners on varsity, it will be fun to watch our team grow all season long. The work ethic and culture are definitely there to enable us to surprise some schools come November.
13. Wheaton North
Head Coach/Coaches: Peter Anderson / Amy Freeman, Anne-Marie Lemp, KC McQuaid
Last Year's Finish: 8th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Maddie Romaine (Sr.), Emily Offutt (So.), June Rectenwald (So.), Ema Eissler (Jr.), Sienna Keith (Jr), Mackenzie Skidmore (Sr.), Rebecca Farrell (Sr.), Brigitte Noyes (Sr.), Hannah Tebbe (Sr.), Ella Klein (Sr.)
Unexpected Losses: Ceres Moraitis (So.)
Coach Anderson's Outlook: We would have had everyone back from last year's 8th in 3A State team and not lost anyone to graduation, but we lost one sophomore to a transfer. We are optimistic with so many other returners running well and free from injury so far this summer. We have many seniors and they will provide great leadership. Four all-conference runners return for the 2024 season and many great runners are contending to take our missing fifth all-conference runner's spot in our top 7.
12. Wheaton Warrenville South
Head Coach: Rob Harvey / Maddie Weeden and Sarah Bik
Last Year's Finish: 20th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Nicole Poglitsch (Sr.), Frida Martinez (Sr.), Abby Barrett (Jr.), Arielle Friebel (So.), Kate Rodakowski (So.), Emily Fahrman (Jr.), Mackenzie Armstrong (Sr.), Namie Bacheller (Jr.), Savannah Bastiaans (Sr.), Ellie Flores (Jr.), Eva Martin (Jr.), Olivia Martinez (Jr.), Sam Osegard (Sr.)
Carson's Outlook: The Tigers have been historical one of the best programs in the state under the helm of legendary coach Rob Harvey. Once again Nicole Poglitsch will lead this squad into the season. She was 7th last fall at the IHSA State Meet and will look to build on that performance this season. Frida Martinez and Abby Barrett both had great track seasons that makes it look like they can potentially challenge 18:00 this fall in the right race. Arielle Friebel ran 11:52 in the 3200m this past spring and will be a great 4th runner for this group. If their 5th runner develops throughout the year then this squad can definitely be a top 10 team in the state.
11. Batavia
Head Coach/Coaches: Chad Hillman
Last Year's Finish: 18th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Avery Hacker (So.), Madeline Cassidy (Jr.), Gwendolyn Krodel (So.), Claire Deppe (So.), Chloe Kammes (Jr.), Madison Wnek (Sr.), Nora Koziol (Jr.), Olivia Gebhardt (Sr.)
Carson's Outlook: The Bulldogs return everyone from last years very young squad. With a season more of experience this team looks to attempt to be one of the top 10 teams in the state. This team made huge strides during track all around. Avery Hacker made a huge jump and ran 10:59 in the 3200m to solidify herself as one of the best runners in the state. Madeline Cassidy and Gwendolyn Krodel both ran 11:33 in the 3200m this spring and look to potentially challenge 18:00. This team looks to have eight girls under 19:00 which is excellent to have.
10. Huntley
Head Coach/Coaches: Matt Kaplan / Jason Monson, Brandy Swanson, Jimmy Jestus
Last Year's Finish: 14th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Haley Rahman (So.), Cori Kilvinger (Jr.), Aspen Maldonado (Jr.), Morgan Sauber (So.), Izzy Ciesla (Jr.), Mackenzie Billard (Sr.), Ava Berardi (Sr.), Gabby Sweeney (Jr.), McKenna Corso (Sr.)
Coach Kaplan's Outlook: This 2024 season looks to be another successful one for our Huntley girls program. This season our team returns 9 out of the top 10 runners from the 2023 season. The varsity will have a lot of familiar names up front including Haley Rahman, Cori Kilvinger, Morgan Sauber and Aspen Maldonado. Izzy Ciesla is expected to have a big season with the improvements she saw in the track season. Seniors Mackenzie Billard and Ava Berardi are both expected to continue to impact our top 7 throughout the season. The girls team was 14th in 3A in 2023 and if this team can stay healthy they could set many new bests in program history as a team.
9. Plainfield North
Head Coach/Coaches: Andy Derks / Sam Barranco, Roxanne Hall, Emilie Hatzl
Last Year's Finish: 17th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Tessa Russo (Jr.), Emaan Hussain (Jr.), Elsie Czarniewski (Sr.), Marlie Czarniewski (So.), Ayla Czarniewski (So.), Zeta Zbroszczyk (Jr.), Madeline Singh (So.), Ireland Hockman (So.)
New Additions: Paige Pyatt (Fr.), Aven Thomas (Fr.), Mallory Weitzmann (Fr.)
Coach Derks' Outlook: our girls team is in a really good place right now. With last year being our first as a combined XC program, everything was new. This year, we hit the ground running (literally) and the girls have been quick to buy in. The level of maturity and reflection of this team is special. The ladies are learning to let the training come to them and own it. They cross-train when needed, do their strength work with focus, increase mileage when ready, and understand the "why" behind their training. They've also really worked hard to be inclusive of freshmen and middle schoolers this summer, which makes it really fun to come to practice each day. Our attendance has been great and we've doubled-down on team bonding experiences, and we are clearly better for it.
8. Minooka
Head Coach/Coaches: Kevin Gummerson / Jessica Hopkins, Leslie Hencinski, Ashley Tutt, Matt Clark
Last Year's Finish: 16th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Seniors: Liana Blount (Sr.), Cassie Brushaber (Sr.), Taya Gummerson (Sr.), Sam Hulick (Sr.), Maya Ledesma (Sr.), Courtney Murphy (Sr.), Melinda Torres (Jr.), Paige Joachim (So.), Leah Kleckauskas (So.), Natalie Nahs (So.), Kimora Rodely (So.)
Coach Gummerson's Outlook: I am excited about this team. Maya Ledesma is coming off an outstanding 3200m run at the state meet and has a new level of confidence that is contagious. We also had a bunch of girls make some big jumps last spring, and if that can translate to confidence on the XC course, then we have the makings of a very strong team. Once again the SPC is going to be a loaded meet, and the rest of our schedule will guarantee that we have been tested before the state series. I am really looking forward to seeing what this team can do.
7. Yorkville
Head Coach/Coaches: Chris Muth / Kerry Stillmunkes, Lauren Vriezen, Tori Gatlin, Matt Gatlin
Last Year's Finish: 9th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Sophia Keeler (Sr.), Ashley Schraeder (Jr.), Annabell Reeder (Jr.), Lily Camargo (Sr.), Mia Evans (So.), Nicole Kraus (So.), Bella Edwards (So.), Christy Green (Sr.), Anita Werderich (Sr.), Sydney Seliga (Sr.)
New Additions: Athena Triner (Fr.), Kayla Bassett (Fr.), Rachel Rotramel (Fr.), Linden Moss (Fr.)
Coach Muth's Outlook: We are a balanced team as far as not supper young, but not filled with seniors. We have a ton of girls that didn’t show up as varsity athletes, but worked their butt off to get to where they are at. I would consider us an underdog team that I’m not sure what our ceiling is yet but feel as though our floor is high because of how hard they work, day in and day out. Leadership will be a key element that we need to fill, but we have seen some athletes step up consistently this summer. I think we will start off the season showing that we are in shape and then focus on consistency when school starts up and peaking our performance for November, trusting the process along the way.
6. Arlington Heights (Hersey)
Head Coach: Mikayla Olsen
Last Year's Finish: 7th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Margaretha Grabske (Sr.), Alex Izenstark (So.), Madeline Bialko (Sr.), Sofia Donner (So.), Elizabeth Waltz (Jr.), Martyna Makowski (So.), Alexandra Kopacz (So.), Ava McQuade (So.)
New Additions: Nora Eitz (Fr.)
Carson's Outlook: The Huskies are entering year three under the leadership of Coach Mikayla Olsen. They have ascended to one of the best teams in the state over the last few years. Led by returning all-stater Margaretha Grabske this group looks to be another amazing unit. Alexa Izenstark and Madeline Bialko both had great track seasons and will be close to being in all-state contention. Sofia Donner and Elizabeth Waltz both could be under 18:00 this season. Someone to watch out for will be Nora Eitz who had a great middle school career. She can be a true difference maker for this team.
5. Naperville North
Head Coach/Coaches: Dan Iverson / Matt Sniadecki, Jen Weigand, Meghan Donovan
Last Year's Finish: 5th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Rianna Tandon (Jr.), Shania Tandon (Jr.), Emma Berres (Sr.), Chloe Piot (So.), Anika Lovisa (Sr.), Sennah Rashidian (Sr.), Elliana White (So.), Brynn Pfeiffer (So.)
New Additions: Kathryn Rohr (Fr.)
Coach Iverson's Outlook: We have had a good summer of training, and we are mostly healthy. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but with good numbers and high enthusiasm, I am optimistic that we can build on last year’s successes. I’m not really going to get into specifics on any particular athlete, but as a team, I feel like we are in a position to accomplish everything we are capable of, and that’s always a good feeling entering the year.
4. Elmhurst (York)
Head Coach/Coaches: Lauren DeAngelis / Kelly Leonard and Jimmy Kolb
Last Year's Finish: 1st @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Maggie Quinn (Jr.), Sophia Galiano-Sanchez (Jr.), GiGi Hill (Jr.), Ariya Shah (Jr.), Sofia Stoddard (Sr.), Lila Stanley (Jr.), Kate Tanny (So.), Julia Weseloh (So.), Paige Byrne (Jr.), Kate Geiger (Jr.), Adell Weseloh (Sr.)
New Additions: Karlin Janowski (Fr.)
Coach DeAngelis' Outlook: We want each of our athletes to get stronger, more confident, and better throughout the season for your team and themselves. We want all the girls to feel supported and to work on building one another up as a family. We have had a solid summer of training with a lot of girls stepping up. The team is very connected and supports one another. This group is very driven and wants to continue to make sure the Lady Dukes continue to be a very strong program.
3. Mt. Prospect (Prospect)
Head Coach/Coaches: Pete Wintermute / Ian Arms, Sarah Harden, Ryan Hopper
Last Year's Finish: 4th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Veronica Znajda (Sr.), Meg Peterson (Jr.), Ireland Wildhart (Sr.), Sophie Fransen (Sr.), Rachel Asper (Jr.), Ella Benassi (Jr.), Anna Zajac (Jr.), Ava Collins (Sr.), Mary Laba (Sr.)
New Additions: Sami Lobacz (Fr.), Grace Sokol (Fr.), Vaughan Everson (Fr.), Brianna Favia (Fr.), Kylie Favia (Fr.), Alli Kalkwarf (Fr.)
Coach Wintermute's Outlook: Our summer is focused on developing the Team and getting to know each other. We sprinkle in some hill running, tempo runs, long runs, and enjoy connecting with our friends and getting to know our new teammates. We took a team trip to Lorado Taft with about 56 high schoolers (boys and girls) and tackling Hexman Hill. We currently have 12 freshmen that have consistently been coming to summer camp and are already moving their way up. These freshmen are a nice complement to our senior class which is ready to build off success they had in the spring. This summer we have been emphasizing the importance of consistency. Consistency in June/July = Rewards in September and October. GO KNIGHTS!!
2. Barrington
Head Coach/Coaches: Deb Revolta / Dan Lowry and Emily Mohr
Last Year's Finish: 3rd @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Scout Storms (Sr.), Mia Sirois (So.), Abby Lewis (Jr.), Sabrina Roach (Sr.), Angelica Hil (So.), Viktoria Higgins (Sr.), Madison Miles (Jr.), Samantha Rowley (Sr.), Claire Thome (Sr.)
New Additions: Paige Kusmerz (Fr.) and Victoria Tarara (Fr)
Coach Revolta's Outlook: The outlook for the season will be for us to be competitive in each of the weekend invitationals. In order to do that we will have to work on getting our 1-5 split to 60 seconds or under. We have a good group of experienced runners with great leadership qualities. That should help the new runners learn the culture of our program and push them to be their best.
1. Downers Grove North
Head Coach/Coaches: Tim McDonald / Matt Maletich and Bob Calder
Last Year's Finish: 2nd @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Audrey Casten (Sr.), Lily Eddington (Jr.), Ava Gilley (Sr.), Hannah Renner (Sr.), Alayna Todnem (Sr.), McKenzie Willard (Sr.)
New Additions: Macy Ermitage (Fr.)
Coach McDonald's Outlook: This is a veteran team that had a great season last year even though we had some bumps in the road. Our goal is the same every year. We want to steadily improve and develop our race strategy so that we have our best races at the end of the season. If we can get there healthy this year, we will be able to compete with the top teams in the state.