Class 4A girls is arguably the deepest field in the state of Florida and the competition will make for a very exciting racing season.
Reigning state champion, Alyssa Hendrix, will return for her senior season. The two-time Foot Locker finalist had stellar cross country and track seasons this past year. Besides elite times and high-level wins, our biggest takeaway from Hendrix performances is that she understands and thrives racing under pressure.
This skill will help her perform this 2019 season will several nationally talented athletes.
East Lake's, Parker Valby, and Plant's Mary Ellen Eudaly are two notable athletes to challenge Hendrix this season. Valby broke out on the scene last cross country season, but took the state by storm with her 10:10 record setting 3200m run at the track state finals in May. Mary Ellen Eudaly had a similar progression, running significant times last cross season and blowing her performances out of the water during track.
Creekside and Chiles have made the jump up to 4A this season and will make a run for the state title. Their key? Stay healthy. Claire Openshaw finished 11th at last year's state meet in a time of 18:28 and raced minimally this spring, running a SB of 10:58 in the 3200m. Alyson Churchill took this spring to focus on her middle distance talent, so it will be exciting to see her on the course racing longer distances soon.
Plant will not let Creekside and Chiles out of their sight. These 11 time state champions are hunting down history yet again and will have the team to compete when it counts.
Mya Bodrato, Caroline Lehman, Rylee Pustilnik, Alicia Ruiz, Jordan Shapiro, Keleigh Scallon, and Ashley Klingenberg, Amber Schulz are all top names to keep an eye out for this season. With standout track seasons, these ladies are on the road to a breakout season this year.