Podium Watch ranks the top 25 returning Division 2 girls for the upcoming Ohio high school cross country season.
Division 2 enters 2026 with a deep mix of experienced seniors, emerging juniors, and sophomores whose spring performances suggest that the order can change quickly. Kaitlyn Van Zandt, Makayla Martuccio, and Maggie Gerschutz open the preseason in the first three positions, but the numbers show meaningful strength throughout the list.
Kaitlyn Van Zandt owns the fastest listed 5K mark at 18:03.34. Julia Bocik produced the leading 3200 mark at 10:38.32. Maya Gonzalez adds the strongest listed 1600 at 4:54.90. Those marks do not determine the ranking by themselves, but they show why this division should remain competitive from the opening invitationals through the state championship.
These are preseason rankings, not a prediction of the exact state championship finish. Cross country courses, weather, race tactics, health, and team goals can all affect an athlete’s time and placement. The purpose is to compare the strongest available evidence and identify the returning runners who enter the season with the best overall cases.
How the rankings were built
State championship cross country performance receives the most weight. Other verified 5K results come next, followed by 2026 track marks in the 1600 and 3200.
The list uses the OHSAA divisions for the 2026 season, so several runners competed in a different division during 2025. Track marks provide important context, but they do not automatically override championship cross country evidence.
Division 2 top 25 at a glance
| Rank | Athlete | School | Class | 2025 5K | 2026 track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kaitlyn Van Zandt | Bishop Watterson | Junior | 18:03.34 | 10:45.57 3200 |
| 2 | Makayla Martuccio | Tallmadge | Senior | 18:15.51 | 10:50.65 3200 |
| 3 | Maggie Gerschutz | Wadsworth | Senior | 18:25.53 | 11:15.29 3200 |
| 4 | Juliette Turner | Sylvania Southview | Senior | 18:34.92 | 11:27.92 3200 |
| 5 | Julia Bocik | Sylvania Southview | Sophomore | 18:46.51 | 10:38.32 3200 |
| 6 | Claire Jenkins | Aurora | Sophomore | 18:36.87 | 11:10.17 3200 |
| 7 | Katherine Schuler | Highland | Senior | 18:41.92 | 10:55.73 3200 |
| 8 | Ashlynn Kuklica | John Glenn | Senior | 18:49.62, D3 state | 11:06.07 3200 |
| 9 | Kaylee Ingratta | Copley | Sophomore | 19:11.37 | 11:01.15 3200 |
| 10 | Olivia Keough | Highland | Sophomore | 18:45.30 | 5:39.30 1600 |
| 11 | Audrey Miller | Aurora | Sophomore | 19:13.30 | 10:42.55 3200 |
| 12 | Grace Buskirk | Big Walnut | Senior | 19:22.22 | 10:43.17 3200 |
| 13 | Maya Gonzalez | Bay | Sophomore | 18:38.90 PR | 4:54.90 1600 |
| 14 | Elsa Tonnessen | Granville | Junior | 19:23.78 | 11:20.72 3200 |
| 15 | Gabi Twedt | Lexington | Sophomore | 18:47.18 | 11:53.25 3200 |
| 16 | Elle Miesse | Celina | Sophomore | 19:13.30 | 5:00.84 1600 |
| 17 | Allison High | Bellbrook | Senior | 18:36.37 PR | 11:22.06 3200 |
| 18 | Logan Romanini | CVCA | Junior | 19:06.86 | 11:24.51 3200 |
| 19 | Kara McCann | Rocky River | Sophomore | 18:59.52 | 11:26.79 3200 |
| 20 | Zoe Wayner | Athens | Junior | 19:12.12 | 11:06.76 3200 |
| 21 | Olivia Brady | Boardman | Senior | 18:55.37 | 12:00.33 3200 |
| 22 | Karine Bhowmick | Bishop Watterson | Sophomore | 19:07.88 | 5:18.44 1600 |
| 23 | Zoey Myers | Notre Dame Cathedral Latin | Senior | 19:08.03 | 11:25.13 3200 |
| 24 | Emily Shea | Indian Hill | Sophomore | 19:32.23, D3 state | 11:01.68 3200 |
| 25 | Mira Palombo | Chardon | Senior | 19:35.59 | 11:13.40 3200 |
The full countdown
25. Mira Palombo
School: Chardon
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 19:35.59
2026 track: 11:13.40 3200
Why she is ranked here
Mira Palombo combines 19:35.59 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:13.40 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 25th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 12th fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. The depth of the division keeps her near the back of the preseason list, but the data still gives her a clear route to move higher.
2026 outlook
One strong early result could move her well above this preseason position. The clearest opportunity is translating her 11:13.40 3200 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
24. Emily Shea
School: Indian Hill
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 19:32.23, D3 state
2026 track: 11:01.68 3200
Why she is ranked here
Emily Shea combines 19:32.23 from her 2025 Division 3 state 5K with 11:01.68 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 24th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 8th fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. She recorded the cross country result in Division 3 during 2025 and now enters Division 2 under the new assignments. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. The depth of the division keeps her near the back of the preseason list, but the data still gives her a clear route to move higher.
2026 outlook
One strong early result could move her well above this preseason position. The clearest opportunity is translating her 11:01.68 3200 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
23. Zoey Myers
School: Notre Dame Cathedral Latin
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 19:08.03
2026 track: 11:25.13 3200
Why she is ranked here
Zoey Myers combines 19:08.03 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:25.13 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 17th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 17th fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The two results tell a consistent story and give her a balanced profile across both seasons. The depth of the division keeps her near the back of the preseason list, but the data still gives her a clear route to move higher.
2026 outlook
One strong early result could move her well above this preseason position. Because her cross country and track results are already well aligned, the biggest gain may come from consistency and championship race execution. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
22. Karine Bhowmick
School: Bishop Watterson
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 19:07.88
2026 track: 5:18.44 1600
Why she is ranked here
Karine Bhowmick combines 19:07.88 from her 2025 state 5K with 5:18.44 in the 1600. Her 5K is the 16th fastest listed result, and her 1600 is the 3rd fastest among the 4 verified 1600 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. The depth of the division keeps her near the back of the preseason list, but the data still gives her a clear route to move higher.
2026 outlook
One strong early result could move her well above this preseason position. The clearest opportunity is translating her 5:18.44 1600 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
21. Olivia Brady
School: Boardman
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 18:55.37
2026 track: 12:00.33 3200
Why she is ranked here
Olivia Brady combines 18:55.37 from her 2025 state 5K with 12:00.33 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 13th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 21st fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. Her cross country result carries more of the case, while the track mark provides supporting context rather than driving the placement. The depth of the division keeps her near the back of the preseason list, but the data still gives her a clear route to move higher.
2026 outlook
One strong early result could move her well above this preseason position. Her cross country evidence is already the stronger side of the profile, so maintaining that strength while adding more closing speed would raise the ceiling. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
20. Zoe Wayner
School: Athens
Class: Junior
2025 5K: 19:12.12
2026 track: 11:06.76 3200
Why she is ranked here
Zoe Wayner combines 19:12.12 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:06.76 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 19th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 10th fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. This placement rewards the strength she has already shown while remaining measured against athletes with a faster result in one of the two seasons.
2026 outlook
One strong early result could move her well above this preseason position. The clearest opportunity is translating her 11:06.76 3200 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. She still has another season beyond 2026, so this fall can establish both her current place and her long term ceiling.
19. Kara McCann
School: Rocky River
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 18:59.52
2026 track: 11:26.79 3200
Why she is ranked here
Kara McCann combines 18:59.52 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:26.79 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 14th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 18th fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. Her cross country result carries more of the case, while the track mark provides supporting context rather than driving the placement. This placement rewards the strength she has already shown while remaining measured against athletes with a faster result in one of the two seasons.
2026 outlook
One strong early result could move her well above this preseason position. Her cross country evidence is already the stronger side of the profile, so maintaining that strength while adding more closing speed would raise the ceiling. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
18. Logan Romanini
School: CVCA
Class: Junior
2025 5K: 19:06.86
2026 track: 11:24.51 3200
Why she is ranked here
Logan Romanini combines 19:06.86 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:24.51 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 15th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 16th fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The two results tell a consistent story and give her a balanced profile across both seasons. This placement rewards the strength she has already shown while remaining measured against athletes with a faster result in one of the two seasons.
2026 outlook
The next step is turning a strong returning profile into consistent top ten level racing against the deepest fields on the schedule. Because her cross country and track results are already well aligned, the biggest gain may come from consistency and championship race execution. She still has another season beyond 2026, so this fall can establish both her current place and her long term ceiling.
17. Allison High
School: Bellbrook
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 18:36.37 PR
2026 track: 11:22.06 3200
Why she is ranked here
Allison High combines 18:36.37 from her 5K PR with 11:22.06 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 5th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 15th fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The 5K mark is a verified personal best rather than a state championship time, so the ranking balances its speed with the championship evidence held by nearby runners. Her cross country result carries more of the case, while the track mark provides supporting context rather than driving the placement. This placement rewards the strength she has already shown while remaining measured against athletes with a faster result in one of the two seasons.
2026 outlook
The next step is turning a strong returning profile into consistent top ten level racing against the deepest fields on the schedule. Her cross country evidence is already the stronger side of the profile, so maintaining that strength while adding more closing speed would raise the ceiling. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
16. Elle Miesse
School: Celina
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 19:13.30
2026 track: 5:00.84 1600
Why she is ranked here
Elle Miesse combines 19:13.30 from her 2025 state 5K with 5:00.84 in the 1600. Her 5K is the 21st fastest listed result, and her 1600 is the 2nd fastest among the 4 verified 1600 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. This placement rewards the strength she has already shown while remaining measured against athletes with a faster result in one of the two seasons.
2026 outlook
The next step is turning a strong returning profile into consistent top ten level racing against the deepest fields on the schedule. The clearest opportunity is translating her 5:00.84 1600 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
15. Gabi Twedt
School: Lexington
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 18:47.18
2026 track: 11:53.25 3200
Why she is ranked here
Gabi Twedt combines 18:47.18 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:53.25 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 11th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 20th fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. Her cross country result carries more of the case, while the track mark provides supporting context rather than driving the placement. She lands in the middle of a tightly packed section where small differences in state evidence, track development, and projection separate several runners.
2026 outlook
The next step is turning a strong returning profile into consistent top ten level racing against the deepest fields on the schedule. Her cross country evidence is already the stronger side of the profile, so maintaining that strength while adding more closing speed would raise the ceiling. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
14. Elsa Tonnessen
School: Granville
Class: Junior
2025 5K: 19:23.78
2026 track: 11:20.72 3200
Why she is ranked here
Elsa Tonnessen combines 19:23.78 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:20.72 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 23rd fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 14th fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. She lands in the middle of a tightly packed section where small differences in state evidence, track development, and projection separate several runners.
2026 outlook
The next step is turning a strong returning profile into consistent top ten level racing against the deepest fields on the schedule. The clearest opportunity is translating her 11:20.72 3200 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. She still has another season beyond 2026, so this fall can establish both her current place and her long term ceiling.
13. Maya Gonzalez
School: Bay
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 18:38.90 PR
2026 track: 4:54.90 1600
Why she is ranked here
Maya Gonzalez combines 18:38.90 from her 5K PR with 4:54.90 in the 1600. Her 5K is the 7th fastest listed result, and her 1600 is the 1st fastest among the 4 verified 1600 marks in this ranking. The 5K mark is a verified personal best rather than a state championship time, so the ranking balances its speed with the championship evidence held by nearby runners. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. She lands in the middle of a tightly packed section where small differences in state evidence, track development, and projection separate several runners.
2026 outlook
The next step is turning a strong returning profile into consistent top ten level racing against the deepest fields on the schedule. The clearest opportunity is translating her 4:54.90 1600 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
12. Grace Buskirk
School: Big Walnut
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 19:22.22
2026 track: 10:43.17 3200
Why she is ranked here
Grace Buskirk combines 19:22.22 from her 2025 state 5K with 10:43.17 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 22nd fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 3rd fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. She lands in the middle of a tightly packed section where small differences in state evidence, track development, and projection separate several runners.
2026 outlook
A small improvement in consistency or peak 5K performance would move her directly into the leading group. The clearest opportunity is translating her 10:43.17 3200 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
11. Audrey Miller
School: Aurora
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 19:13.30
2026 track: 10:42.55 3200
Why she is ranked here
Audrey Miller combines 19:13.30 from her 2025 state 5K with 10:42.55 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 20th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 2nd fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. She lands in the middle of a tightly packed section where small differences in state evidence, track development, and projection separate several runners.
2026 outlook
A small improvement in consistency or peak 5K performance would move her directly into the leading group. The clearest opportunity is translating her 10:42.55 3200 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
10. Olivia Keough
School: Highland
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 18:45.30
2026 track: 5:39.30 1600
Why she is ranked here
Olivia Keough combines 18:45.30 from her 2025 state 5K with 5:39.30 in the 1600. Her 5K is the 9th fastest listed result, and her 1600 is the 4th fastest among the 4 verified 1600 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. The combination is strong enough for the top ten because she has credible evidence in both championship cross country and spring track.
2026 outlook
A small improvement in consistency or peak 5K performance would move her directly into the leading group. The clearest opportunity is translating her 5:39.30 1600 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
9. Kaylee Ingratta
School: Copley
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 19:11.37
2026 track: 11:01.15 3200
Why she is ranked here
Kaylee Ingratta combines 19:11.37 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:01.15 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 18th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 7th fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. The combination is strong enough for the top ten because she has credible evidence in both championship cross country and spring track.
2026 outlook
A small improvement in consistency or peak 5K performance would move her directly into the leading group. The clearest opportunity is translating her 11:01.15 3200 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
8. Ashlynn Kuklica
School: John Glenn
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 18:49.62, D3 state
2026 track: 11:06.07 3200
Why she is ranked here
Ashlynn Kuklica combines 18:49.62 from her 2025 Division 3 state 5K with 11:06.07 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 12th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 9th fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. She recorded the cross country result in Division 3 during 2025 and now enters Division 2 under the new assignments. The two results tell a consistent story and give her a balanced profile across both seasons. The combination is strong enough for the top ten because she has credible evidence in both championship cross country and spring track.
2026 outlook
A small improvement in consistency or peak 5K performance would move her directly into the leading group. Because her cross country and track results are already well aligned, the biggest gain may come from consistency and championship race execution. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
7. Katherine Schuler
School: Highland
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 18:41.92
2026 track: 10:55.73 3200
Why she is ranked here
Katherine Schuler combines 18:41.92 from her 2025 state 5K with 10:55.73 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 8th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 6th fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The two results tell a consistent story and give her a balanced profile across both seasons. The combination is strong enough for the top ten because she has credible evidence in both championship cross country and spring track.
2026 outlook
She enters the season with a realistic path to the state podium and enough evidence to challenge the runners currently placed ahead of her. Because her cross country and track results are already well aligned, the biggest gain may come from consistency and championship race execution. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
6. Claire Jenkins
School: Aurora
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 18:36.87
2026 track: 11:10.17 3200
Why she is ranked here
Claire Jenkins combines 18:36.87 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:10.17 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 6th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 11th fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. Her cross country result carries more of the case, while the track mark provides supporting context rather than driving the placement. The combination is strong enough for the top ten because she has credible evidence in both championship cross country and spring track.
2026 outlook
She enters the season with a realistic path to the state podium and enough evidence to challenge the runners currently placed ahead of her. Her cross country evidence is already the stronger side of the profile, so maintaining that strength while adding more closing speed would raise the ceiling. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
5. Julia Bocik
School: Sylvania Southview
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 18:46.51
2026 track: 10:38.32 3200
Why she is ranked here
Julia Bocik combines 18:46.51 from her 2025 state 5K with 10:38.32 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 10th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 1st fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. That overall body of work belongs in the leading group, even though the order will need to be settled through head to head racing.
2026 outlook
She enters the season with a realistic path to the state podium and enough evidence to challenge the runners currently placed ahead of her. The clearest opportunity is translating her 10:38.32 3200 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
4. Juliette Turner
School: Sylvania Southview
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 18:34.92
2026 track: 11:27.92 3200
Why she is ranked here
Juliette Turner combines 18:34.92 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:27.92 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 4th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 19th fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. Her cross country result carries more of the case, while the track mark provides supporting context rather than driving the placement. That overall body of work belongs in the leading group, even though the order will need to be settled through head to head racing.
2026 outlook
She enters the season with a realistic path to the state podium and enough evidence to challenge the runners currently placed ahead of her. Her cross country evidence is already the stronger side of the profile, so maintaining that strength while adding more closing speed would raise the ceiling. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
3. Maggie Gerschutz
School: Wadsworth
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 18:25.53
2026 track: 11:15.29 3200
Why she is ranked here
Maggie Gerschutz combines 18:25.53 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:15.29 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 3rd fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 13th fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. Her cross country result carries more of the case, while the track mark provides supporting context rather than driving the placement. That overall body of work belongs in the leading group, even though the order will need to be settled through head to head racing.
2026 outlook
She begins the year as a clear individual title contender, and every major head to head result will help define the top of the division. Her cross country evidence is already the stronger side of the profile, so maintaining that strength while adding more closing speed would raise the ceiling. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
2. Makayla Martuccio
School: Tallmadge
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 18:15.51
2026 track: 10:50.65 3200
Why she is ranked here
Makayla Martuccio combines 18:15.51 from her 2025 state 5K with 10:50.65 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 2nd fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 5th fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The two results tell a consistent story and give her a balanced profile across both seasons. That overall body of work belongs in the leading group, even though the order will need to be settled through head to head racing.
2026 outlook
She begins the year as a clear individual title contender, and every major head to head result will help define the top of the division. Because her cross country and track results are already well aligned, the biggest gain may come from consistency and championship race execution. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
1. Kaitlyn Van Zandt
School: Bishop Watterson
Class: Junior
2025 5K: 18:03.34
2026 track: 10:45.57 3200
Why she is ranked here
Kaitlyn Van Zandt combines 18:03.34 from her 2025 state 5K with 10:45.57 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 1st fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 4th fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The two results tell a consistent story and give her a balanced profile across both seasons. That overall body of work belongs in the leading group, even though the order will need to be settled through head to head racing.
2026 outlook
She begins the year as a clear individual title contender, and every major head to head result will help define the top of the division. Because her cross country and track results are already well aligned, the biggest gain may come from consistency and championship race execution. She still has another season beyond 2026, so this fall can establish both her current place and her long term ceiling.
What could change this ranking
The largest early season questions involve athletes whose spring track performances suggest a major 5K breakthrough, younger runners who may improve rapidly, and runners entering a new division through realignment.
Head to head invitationals will matter more than isolated times because they allow the leading runners to compete on the same course under the same conditions. Early results will also show which athletes carried their spring fitness through the summer.
Kaitlyn Van Zandt begins at number one, but Makayla Martuccio, Maggie Gerschutz, Juliette Turner, Julia Bocik, Claire Jenkins, Katherine Schuler, Ashlynn Kuklica, Kaylee Ingratta, Olivia Keough all have evidence that supports a place near the front. Division 2 should produce a deep and unpredictable individual race when the postseason arrives.
Data note
Cross country marks are the 2025 state championship times or verified personal bests provided to Podium Watch. Track marks are from the 2026 outdoor season.
Rankings may be updated when new verified results become available.
