A look at what to expect from the upcoming season of girls’ high-school cross country

The Geneva School’s Raquel Smith

Apopka Blue Darters

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Rhyan Stelljes will be back as a senior in 2017, along with junior Sydney Fowler and sophomore Andrea Jimenez. Fowler had the fourth-best time at 2016’s 4A-3 district championship, with Jimenez at No. 7 and Stelljes at No. 11.

OUTLOOK: Under Coach Brian Axon, who also coaches the boys, the Lady Blue Darters finished fourth at the district competition, but their best runner at the Region 1 tournament, Fowler, placed at No. 27 and the team was unable to advance. Look for Axon to push his experienced players further while bringing newcomers up to speed.

Boone Braves

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Yvonne Amie and Madeline Mendoza will return as seniors this year. They’ll be joined by juniors Lisa Williams, Emily Fussell, Hannah Schneeberger and Natalie Snead, as well as sophomore Esa Petersen.

OUTLOOK: “The women’s team will have no small task as we look to replace four of our top five runners from 2016,” says Lady Braves Coach Darcy Jeffers. “Our returning runners will have some ‘big shoes’ to fill but are committed to improving on our 2016. We see a level of commitment and determination from the returning runners that show us they are committed to the process and plan on having a breakout year. We will also look for a significant contribution from a senior that missed all of last season due to injury.”

Celebration Storm

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Top runners expected to suit up for the Lady Storm’s 2017 season include senior Alejandra Bahena (No. 11 at 2016’s 4A-5 district meet), sophomore Adriana Bahena (No. 21) and senior Kaitlyn Arce (No. 48).

OUTLOOK: Despite the solid times posted by some of the team’s members, the girls’ cross-country team at Celebration came in fifth at the district championship and didn’t rank at the Region 2 tournament. (Bahena had the best time there, coming in at No. 85). Faster and smarter play could be all that’s keeping them from greater glory.

Circle Christian Centurions

PLAYERSTO WATCH: According to Lady Centurions Coach Mark Caufield, who also oversees the boys’ team, Circle Christian’s top returners include Sinkenesh Parker (third in last year’s state championship), Brooke McEwen (seventh at state), Mulunesh Parker, Jaden Ault, Archike Parker and Emily Grandstaff. They’ll be joined by top newcomers Caroline Spivey and Danielle Cline.

OUTLOOK: “With the entire top five returning from last year’s Class 1A state runner-up team, and the 2015 state championship team, the girls are poised to make a run at the podium for the third straight year,” says Caulfield. Circle Christian competes in District 1A-9 and in Class 1A’s Region 3.

Colonial Grenadiers

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Our girls’ team, led by [seniors] Mikaela Montero and Alisa Marlow, are looking to go to state this year,” says Colonial Coach Nathan Whaley, who also mentors the boys’ team. “They’re closely followed by [senior] Leslie Diaz, [junior] Telise Torres and [sophomore] Tia Torres.

OUTLOOK: “The last two years, we made it to regions but, unfortunately, have been unable to make it past regions,” says Whaley, whose team ranked at No. 3 in District 4A-4 and No. 15 in Region 1. “We’re looking to get past that point. Once again, we’ve got a pretty strong team. We’re looking for some other athletes to join the squad, but we’re coming on strong.”

Cypress Creek Bears

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “I am excited for our upcoming senior outside hitter Alondra Ramos, whose athleticism and skill led Cypress Creek in kills and hitting percentage in 2016,” says Lady Bears Coach Aysha Nickels. “She will be a key part of our success next year. Alongside her will be senior setter Stephanie Occil and senior rightside hitter Kynnydy McCullough. I am looking forward to watching them lead the younger girls to success.”

OUTLOOK: “Next season will be a rebuilding year after losing five seniors and four key role players,” adds Nickels, whose team plays in District 9A-5. Last season, they ranked third overall in that district and will be eager to improve that standing.

Dr. Phillips Panthers

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Returning senior Isabela Bartczak, who finished at No. 23 at 2016’s Class 4A state championship, will lead the way for this year’s Lady Panthers. Also expected back are fellow seniors Hannah Waddell and Sarah Zamot.

OUTLOOK: “I am very excited about the upcoming cross-country season because we are returning with most of our top runners from last year,” says Coach Laura Kirkikis, who also heads the boy’s team. “The team will be putting in a lot of work over the summer in order to be prepared for the upcoming season.” Last year, the girls’ team came in second at the District 4A-4 championship and 10th in Region 1.

East River Falcons

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Chelsea John, who coaches the boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams at East River, expects big things from incoming senior Kerrin Allen, who placed fourth at last year’s 3A-6 district championship and 19th at the Region 2 competition.

OUTLOOK: “We have a lot of returning runners who continue to improve and beat their times,” says John. Like the boys’ team, the girls finished seventh at the district level but didn’t place as a team at regionals and had no runners at the state tournament. They’ll be eager to go further this season.

Edgewater Eagles

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “We have a handful of veteran runners that will help shape our varsity team and lead our incoming runners to success,” says Alex Corbo, coach of both cross-country teams at Edgewater. Runners to watch should include senior Nathalia Mercado, plus juniors Christa Saylors and Sagan Simmons.

OUTLOOK: “I am going to continue to cultivate athletes that have a love of running,” says Corbo, “and I am excited to dive into our summer training that is going to start up in the next couple of weeks.” Last season, the Lady Eagles finished sixth at the 3A-6 competition.

Evans Trojans

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Desiree Smith, who posted the Lady Trojans’ best time at last year’s District 4A-3 tournament, is expected to return as a junior for the 2017 season. Other experienced runners slated to compete for Evans include seniors Ayana Bilbo and Cristy Mercedes, plus juniors Bertude Adonis and Georgiana Beneche.

OUTLOOK: Outside of Smith placing at No. 44 at the 2016 district championship, the girls’ cross-country team at Evans had limited success. The good news is that they have a large number of seasoned runners coming back in 2017, and the extra year of experience should serve them well as they strive to improve their times.

The First Academy Royals

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Caroline Crist was undeniably the fastest member of the Lady Royals’ cross-country team last year, having finished in first place at the District 1A-10 tournament, No. 5 at the Region 3 competition and No. 22 at the state level. She’s expected back as a senior, where she’ll be joined by sophomore Isabel Crist and senior Anna Kate Horton.

OUTLOOK: The First Academy’s girls’ team had an outstanding 2016, ranking first in their district, second at the regional level and fourth overall at the Class 1A state championship. The returners will be faster and more seasoned this year, which could lead to them claiming the state title

Freedom Patriots

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Top returning Lady Patriots are expected to include junior Brooke Johnson, senior Taylor Smith and sophomore Caroline Leeling. All three placed at last year’s District 4A-4 competition, with Johnson ranking at No. 25.

OUTLOOK: Despite having some breakout runners, the girls’ team at Freedom didn’t find the same level of success enjoyed by their male counterparts at last year’s district championship, and they had no impact at the regional or state level. Coach Melanie Smith’s job will be to find ways to help them achieve more in 2017.

Geneva Knights

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “We are looking forward to varsity standouts Raquel Smith [a junior] and Lily Hendrix [a sophomore] for our girls’ program,” says Geneva Coach Seth Funderburg. “Both young ladies have shown remarkable determination and after a great track season, they’re hungry for state qualification.”

OUTLOOK: The Lady Knights had a slightly better 2016 than the boys’ team, having placed third at the 1A-9 championship and 11th at the Region 3 tournament. With some key runners returning and one strong runner moving from the middle-school to varsity teams, they should have an excellent shot at matching or exceeding that level of play.

Jones Tigers

PLAYERS TO WATCH: The girls’ cross-country team will benefit from the returns of juniors Tahira Gaynor, Essence Harris and Stacy Alexandre. Seniors Iuana Paul and Alyssa Wilson are also expected to run for the team again. Gaynor posted the squad’s best time at districts, finishing at No. 45.

OUTLOOK: The Lady Tigers finished at No. 7 in last year’s 2A-8 district championship but were unable to make further headway. They should have a better outing this season, though, as most of the runners who placed in the district race will be back with more experience in 2017.

Lake Highland Highlanders

PLAYERS TO WATCH: According to Lady Highlanders Coach Gerry Spring, 2017’s squad will be led by captains Lily Woodhouse, Jules Setta, Juliet Small and Alexandra Cisneros. Freshman Kheli Phillips, a rising star in Central Florida cross country, will also play a key role.

OUTLOOK: “The Lake Highland girls’ cross-country team is looking forward to an exciting season in 2017,” says Spring. “The team will replace some great seniors, but we look forward to adding new runners to our roster. Our goal is to qualify for the state playoff series with our key regular season meets: the Mountain Dew Invitational at [University of Florida] and the Pre-State at [Florida State University].”

Lake Howell Silverhawks

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Angela Henriquez was Lake Howell’s second-fastest runner at last season’s district competition, and she’ll return as a senior in 2017. Also likely to return are juniors Helena Pedersen and Alaina Soyer, as well as senior Stacie Andersen.

OUTLOOK: “I am excited about next year,” says Lady Silverhawks Coach John Rothrock, who’s also in charge of the men’s team. Although the squad finished ninth overall at the 2016 District 4A-2 championship and lost some key players to graduation, a new year always brings new opportunities for success.

Lake Mary Preparatory School’s Alesia Palanzuela

Lake Mary Prep Griffins

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Lake Mary Prep Athletic Director Justin Varitek says that incoming senior Syriah Lottimore will provide strong leadership for the Lady Griffins in 2017. Also likely to return are juniors Alesia Palenzuela, Devan Stephens and Emily Rood, with former middle-school runners Molly Clemens and Nicole Gaston stepping up to varsity.

OUTLOOK: Like their male counterparts, the Lady Griffins didn’t qualify for the Region 3 competition as a team in 2016, but that could all change this season. That will require returning players to step into leadership positions, plus inspired running from newcomers.

Lake Nona Lions

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “We only lost one athlete to graduation last year,” says Lady Lions Coach Janell Schenker. “We are looking for senior Arianna Prieto to have a strong season along with juniors Zoe Alexander, Thais Marin and Chelsee Martino.”

OUTLOOK: “The remaining returning varsity runners are young with the excitement and motivation to improve and fight for that fifth scoring position on the team,” says Schenker. That eagerness could prove to be a key asset for the Lake Nona girls’ squad, which finished sixth at 2016’s 4A-4 district championship.

Master’s Academy Eagles

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Lady Eagles Coach Margie Morris, who also mentors the boys’ team, pinpoints incoming junior Grace Messemer as the top runner to watch in 2017. Last season, Messemer placed at No. 28 in the District 1A-9 championship.

OUTLOOK: “With the new summer running schedule, our team will be well prepared to kick off the season on a high note,” says Morris. The girls’ team finished in sixth place at the district tournament, and it won’t take much in the way of improvement to help them take their game to the next level.

Oak Ridge Pioneers

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Samela Pynas, who was Oak Ridge’s top female cross-country runner in 2016, will be back as a senior this year. Teammates expected to join her include junior Omelia Bent and senior Ashley Louis.

OUTLOOK: “We’re still a young team, and we’re still trying to develop the program,” says Lady Pioneers Coach Odeika Bent. “So, I think this year will be about continuing with the development and getting them a lot stronger mentally to be able to endure throughout the season. Our best runner [Pynas] is coming back this year, and we have a couple of young’uns behind her who are pretty decent. We’re looking to develop our team and get it in the top ranking.”

Ocoee Knights

PLAYERS TO WATCH: One of the Lady Knight’s fastest cross-country runners from 2016, Madison Brune, is expected back this season— and given that she’ll be a sophomore this year, great things will be expected of her going forward. She’ll be joined by junior Madison Foster.

OUTLOOK: Only three Lady Knights placed in last year’s District 4A-3 championship, and two of them graduated at the end of the season, so this squad has a rebuilding period ahead of them. Coach Greg Murphy, who also heads the boys’ team, will need to help his young runners develop quickly to have a real impact in 2017.

Olympia Titans

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “Captain Rachel Gomez will lead the team with two years of varsity experience under her belt,” says Titans boys’/girls’ cross-country coach Stephanie Manny, “and she will be joined by junior Sammy Gelman as well as sophomores Morgan Weber, Chloe Gordon and Alice Flament.”

OUTLOOK: “With the loss of four seniors, the girls will have some big shoes to fill,” says Manny. “However, this year, the team will be a young one, with only one returning senior.” Accordingly, it might be difficult for the squad to repeat last year’s successes, which included taking second place at the 4A-D district tournament and 11th at the Region 1 competition, but they’ll certainly give it their all.

Timber Creek Wolves

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Seniors Mary Santalla and Caitlin Galloway will be the Lady Wolves’ top returning cross-country runners according to Coach JulieAnne Halsey, who also heads the boys’ team. They posted the two fastest times for Timber Creek at 2016’s district championship.

OUTLOOK: “The girls’ team is continuing to grow and develop,” says Halsey. “[Santalla and Galloway will be] backed by a few strong track athletes who are transitioning to cross-country running.” Depending on the speed of that transition, Timber Creek could put up more of a fight in District 4A-4, where they finished in eighth place at last year’s tournament.

Trinity Preparatory Saints

PLAYERS TO WATCH: According to Trinity Coach Sara Dowdy, top returning runners will include senior Sophia Pisello, sophomores Lucy Albright and Audrey McAnally, and freshmen Alaina Pisello and Taitem Turbyfill, the latter two of which were previously on the middle-school squad.

OUTLOOK: “The 2017 season is looking very good for the Lady Saints,” says Dowdy. “We have a very young team with all of our top-five girls returning this year. Last year, the girls placed first in the [2A-8] district meet, third in the [Region 2] meet and sixth in the [Class 2A] state meet. We are hoping to do even better this year.”

University Cougars

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Seniors Sarah Tran, Vanessa Kollcaku, Samantha Bird and Zoe Griffin should serve as the backbone of the Lady Cougars’ 2017 cross-country team, as the four posted the best times for non-graduating members at last year’s District 4A-4 championship. Also expected back is sophomore Isabelle Llabona.

OUTLOOK: University finished in fifth place at the district title match, and just one member— who’s since graduated—placed at the Region 1 tournament. As a result, we would expect this to be a rebuilding year for them, but improved times from returning runners could help them achieve more in 2017.

Wekiva Mustangs

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Coach Erica Weitz, who oversees the boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams at Wekiva, says that all of last year’s Lady Mustangs graduated after the season. “So, we hope to get some of our track girls out, as well as incoming freshmen,” she says.

OUTLOOK: Even if 2016’s entire squad hadn’t been lost to graduation, the Lady Mustangs would likely still be looking at a year of restructuring, as the team didn’t have any runners place at last season’s District 4A-3 tournament. Hopefully new blood can bring them new glory this time out.

West Orange Warriors

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “Megan Hannah leads the way with Megan Buchanan, Samantha Lopez and Shyanne Mayes looking to improve from last year’s times,” says Christopher Boston, who coaches the boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams at West Orange.

OUTLOOK: “We will have four runners back from last year’s team, [which] won the metro title for the second time in school history,” says Boston, adding, “[Mayes] was only healthy for the first two meets of [last year’s] season and actually was the No. 1 runner before she became injured.” In 2016, the team finished third at districts and 13th at regionals.

Winter Park High School’s Melanie White

Winter Park Wildcats

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “The girls are led by two rising seniors: 2014 State Champion Rafaella Gibbons and Melanie White,” says Winter Park Coach Kristin McWilliams. “Sarah Breske, Shelby Hayes, Jennifer Coddington, Charis Ivey, Katy Taylor, Jennifer Law, Lindsey Hunter, Grace Adams and several rising freshmen all look to make an impact.”

OUTLOOK: “The Winter Park girls’ cross-country team looks to contend for a [Class 4A] state championship in the fall,” says McWilliams. She also notes that the Lady Wildcats have been first or second at state for the last four years. “The girls look to capitalize on a phenomenal track season and will work hard this summer to put them in a position to contend for Winter Park’s sixth state championship.”

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s July 2017 issue.