Podium Watch ranks the top 25 returning Division 3 girls for the upcoming Ohio high school cross country season.
Division 3 enters 2026 with a deep mix of experienced seniors, emerging juniors, and sophomores whose spring performances suggest that the order can change quickly. Irelyn Johnson, Rylie Towns, and Lola Mullen open the preseason in the first three positions, but the numbers show meaningful strength throughout the list.
Gwenyth Huddle owns the fastest listed 5K mark at 17:53.80. Gwenyth Huddle produced the leading 3200 mark at 10:35.05. Caroline Valentino adds the strongest listed 1600 at 4:55.68. 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 3 top 25 at a glance
| Rank | Athlete | School | Class | 2025 5K | 2026 track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Irelyn Johnson | Marlington | Senior | 18:10.89 | 10:36.08 3200 |
| 2 | Rylie Towns | Huron | Senior | 18:34.32 | 10:47.36 3200 |
| 3 | Lola Mullen | Woodridge | Senior | 18:25.69 | 11:13.42 3200 |
| 4 | Katrina Neal | Clear Fork | Senior | 18:47.19 | 10:55.88 3200 |
| 5 | Gwenyth Huddle | Napoleon | Junior | 17:53.80 PR | 10:35.05 3200 |
| 6 | Evelyn Reinoehl | Oakwood | Sophomore | 18:38.59 | 11:06.36 3200 |
| 7 | Kali Wallace | Claymont | Senior | 18:35.83 | 11:21.44 3200 |
| 8 | Grace Brown | Bellefontaine | Senior | 18:54.89, D2 state | 11:08.26 3200 |
| 9 | Sadie Schultz | Fairfield Union | Sophomore | 18:53.70 | 11:16.55 3200 |
| 10 | Caroline Valentino | Hathaway Brown School | Junior | 19:01.77, D2 state | 4:55.68 1600 |
| 11 | Makenzie Beavers | Minerva | Senior | 19:03.94 | 11:13.41 3200 |
| 12 | Penny Francis | Bath | Junior | 19:09.40 | 11:05.29 3200 |
| 13 | Tateum Richard | Minerva | Junior | 18:45.62 | 5:22.32 1600 |
| 14 | Lina Kaufman | Garrettsville Garfield | Sophomore | 18:53.74 | 11:22.22 3200 |
| 15 | Lillian Singer | Woodridge | Senior | 18:52.55 | 11:34.50 3200 |
| 16 | Marina Campbell | Orange | Junior | 19:10.50 | 11:16.91 3200 |
| 17 | Andrea Lesnak | Huron | Sophomore | 19:29.13 | 11:04.66 3200 |
| 18 | Lucy Folger | Madeira | Junior | 19:14.06 | 11:26.99 3200 |
| 19 | Olivia Kiefer | Hathaway Brown School | Senior | 19:38.27, D2 state | 11:05.71 3200 |
| 20 | Gabby Byrne | Chagrin Falls | Junior | 19:03.65 | 11:32.09 3200 |
| 21 | Josie Eick | Tuscarawas Valley | Junior | 19:01.31 | 5:16.79 1600 |
| 22 | Marlena McCown | Ironton | Senior | 19:23.79 | 11:23.69 3200 |
| 23 | Abigail Montgomery | Buckeye Valley | Sophomore | 19:18.99 | 11:35.55 3200 |
| 24 | Anna Will | Shelby | Senior | 19:32.04, D2 state | 11:36.98 3200 |
| 25 | Sophia Tebbe | Bishop Fenwick | Sophomore | 18:57.24 | No verified mark |
The full countdown
25. Sophia Tebbe
School: Bishop Fenwick
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 18:57.24
2026 track: No verified mark
Why she is ranked here
Sophia Tebbe enters the ranking with 18:57.24 from her 2025 state 5K. That is the 13th fastest listed 5K among these 25 athletes. No verified 2026 track mark was available, so the evaluation avoids projection and relies on what she has already proved over 5,000 meters. She is held in a measured position because several runners around her add strong spring evidence to similar cross country results.
2026 outlook
One strong early result could move her well above this preseason position. Her first few invitationals will be especially informative because there is no verified spring mark to show how much her fitness changed after cross country. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
24. Anna Will
School: Shelby
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 19:32.04, D2 state
2026 track: 11:36.98 3200
Why she is ranked here
Anna Will combines 19:32.04 from her 2025 Division 2 state 5K with 11:36.98 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 24th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 21st fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. She recorded the cross country result in Division 2 during 2025 and now enters Division 3 under the new assignments. 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.
23. Abigail Montgomery
School: Buckeye Valley
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 19:18.99
2026 track: 11:35.55 3200
Why she is ranked here
Abigail Montgomery combines 19:18.99 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:35.55 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 21st fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 20th 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. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
22. Marlena McCown
School: Ironton
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 19:23.79
2026 track: 11:23.69 3200
Why she is ranked here
Marlena McCown combines 19:23.79 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:23.69 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 22nd fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 16th 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 11:23.69 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.
21. Josie Eick
School: Tuscarawas Valley
Class: Junior
2025 5K: 19:01.31
2026 track: 5:16.79 1600
Why she is ranked here
Josie Eick combines 19:01.31 from her 2025 state 5K with 5:16.79 in the 1600. Her 5K is the 14th fastest listed result, and her 1600 is the 2nd fastest among the 3 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 5:16.79 1600 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.
20. Gabby Byrne
School: Chagrin Falls
Class: Junior
2025 5K: 19:03.65
2026 track: 11:32.09 3200
Why she is ranked here
Gabby Byrne combines 19:03.65 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:32.09 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 16th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 18th 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
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. She still has another season beyond 2026, so this fall can establish both her current place and her long term ceiling.
19. Olivia Kiefer
School: Hathaway Brown School
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 19:38.27, D2 state
2026 track: 11:05.71 3200
Why she is ranked here
Olivia Kiefer combines 19:38.27 from her 2025 Division 2 state 5K with 11:05.71 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 25th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 7th fastest among the 21 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. She recorded the cross country result in Division 2 during 2025 and now enters Division 3 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. 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 11:05.71 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.
18. Lucy Folger
School: Madeira
Class: Junior
2025 5K: 19:14.06
2026 track: 11:26.99 3200
Why she is ranked here
Lucy Folger combines 19:14.06 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:26.99 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 20th 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. 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. Andrea Lesnak
School: Huron
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 19:29.13
2026 track: 11:04.66 3200
Why she is ranked here
Andrea Lesnak combines 19:29.13 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:04.66 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 23rd fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 5th 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
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 11:04.66 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.
16. Marina Campbell
School: Orange
Class: Junior
2025 5K: 19:10.50
2026 track: 11:16.91 3200
Why she is ranked here
Marina Campbell combines 19:10.50 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:16.91 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 19th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 13th 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
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 11:16.91 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.
15. Lillian Singer
School: Woodridge
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 18:52.55
2026 track: 11:34.50 3200
Why she is ranked here
Lillian Singer combines 18:52.55 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:34.50 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 9th 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. 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. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
14. Lina Kaufman
School: Garrettsville Garfield
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 18:53.74
2026 track: 11:22.22 3200
Why she is ranked here
Lina Kaufman combines 18:53.74 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:22.22 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 11th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 15th 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.
13. Tateum Richard
School: Minerva
Class: Junior
2025 5K: 18:45.62
2026 track: 5:22.32 1600
Why she is ranked here
Tateum Richard combines 18:45.62 from her 2025 state 5K with 5:22.32 in the 1600. Her 5K is the 7th fastest listed result, and her 1600 is the 3rd fastest among the 3 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. 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 5:22.32 1600 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.
12. Penny Francis
School: Bath
Class: Junior
2025 5K: 19:09.40
2026 track: 11:05.29 3200
Why she is ranked here
Penny Francis combines 19:09.40 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:05.29 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 18th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 6th 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 11:05.29 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.
11. Makenzie Beavers
School: Minerva
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 19:03.94
2026 track: 11:13.41 3200
Why she is ranked here
Makenzie Beavers combines 19:03.94 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:13.41 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 17th 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. 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 11:13.41 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.
10. Caroline Valentino
School: Hathaway Brown School
Class: Junior
2025 5K: 19:01.77, D2 state
2026 track: 4:55.68 1600
Why she is ranked here
Caroline Valentino combines 19:01.77 from her 2025 Division 2 state 5K with 4:55.68 in the 1600. Her 5K is the 15th fastest listed result, and her 1600 is the 1st fastest among the 3 verified 1600 marks in this ranking. She recorded the cross country result in Division 2 during 2025 and now enters Division 3 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 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 4:55.68 1600 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.
9. Sadie Schultz
School: Fairfield Union
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 18:53.70
2026 track: 11:16.55 3200
Why she is ranked here
Sadie Schultz combines 18:53.70 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:16.55 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 10th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 12th 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
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. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
8. Grace Brown
School: Bellefontaine
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 18:54.89, D2 state
2026 track: 11:08.26 3200
Why she is ranked here
Grace Brown combines 18:54.89 from her 2025 Division 2 state 5K with 11:08.26 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 2 during 2025 and now enters Division 3 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. Kali Wallace
School: Claymont
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 18:35.83
2026 track: 11:21.44 3200
Why she is ranked here
Kali Wallace combines 18:35.83 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:21.44 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 5th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 14th 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. 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. Evelyn Reinoehl
School: Oakwood
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 18:38.59
2026 track: 11:06.36 3200
Why she is ranked here
Evelyn Reinoehl combines 18:38.59 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:06.36 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 6th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 8th 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. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
5. Gwenyth Huddle
School: Napoleon
Class: Junior
2025 5K: 17:53.80 PR
2026 track: 10:35.05 3200
Why she is ranked here
Gwenyth Huddle combines 17:53.80 from her 5K PR with 10:35.05 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 1st fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 1st 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. 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 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. She still has another season beyond 2026, so this fall can establish both her current place and her long term ceiling.
4. Katrina Neal
School: Clear Fork
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 18:47.19
2026 track: 10:55.88 3200
Why she is ranked here
Katrina Neal combines 18:47.19 from her 2025 state 5K with 10:55.88 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 8th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 4th 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 10:55.88 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.
3. Lola Mullen
School: Woodridge
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 18:25.69
2026 track: 11:13.42 3200
Why she is ranked here
Lola Mullen combines 18:25.69 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:13.42 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 3rd 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. 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. Rylie Towns
School: Huron
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 18:34.32
2026 track: 10:47.36 3200
Why she is ranked here
Rylie Towns combines 18:34.32 from her 2025 state 5K with 10:47.36 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 4th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 3rd 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. Irelyn Johnson
School: Marlington
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 18:10.89
2026 track: 10:36.08 3200
Why she is ranked here
Irelyn Johnson combines 18:10.89 from her 2025 state 5K with 10:36.08 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 2nd fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 2nd 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.
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.
Irelyn Johnson begins at number one, but Rylie Towns, Lola Mullen, Katrina Neal, Gwenyth Huddle, Evelyn Reinoehl, Kali Wallace, Grace Brown, Sadie Schultz, Caroline Valentino all have evidence that supports a place near the front. Division 3 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.
