2024 season preview: Girls’ cross country

The 2024 girls high school cross country teams will consist of a mix of returning and new runners, and many teams have high expectations this year.

Apollo: One year after Apollo failed to qualify for the state championship as a team, the team is starting the new year with additional motivation.

“To do that, we need to achieve the overall goal of recruiting more of our student-athletes to give cross country a chance,” said head coach Charlie Shoulta. “This sport is very much a numbers game, and if our program is to ultimately reach the level I expect, our numbers need to go up. We work hard to promote our program to attract more of our student-athletes.”

Apollo has only one runner back who has already qualified for state: junior Ava Falloway. Falloway spent most of last summer training and is expected to make a splash in the postseason.

Daviess County: Although Daviess County lost four runners from last year's team, a solid core returns, led by Lucy Spaw, Blakely Greer, Bentlei Stallings, Sally Tidwell, Haley Wolfe and Mallory Raines. They are joined by up-and-comers Chaney Heady, Julia Zopiyactle, Riley Emmick, Kloee Gaynor and Anna Kitterman – many of whom are projected to be in the team's top 10, according to head coach Josh Bratcher.

“Our main goals are to train hard and stay healthy throughout the season,” Bratcher said. “I want us to continue to win regionals and then be on the podium at state. Our team has what it takes to finish high and I believe we can do that with the path we're on. We had a great cross country training camp to start the year off right and I think the team's mindset is where it needs to be to achieve our goal.”

Owensboro: After an injury-plagued 2023 season, the Lady Devils are entering the 2024 cross-country season with a good mix of experienced athletes and new faces. Juniors Abby Ladwig, Kiley Palmer and senior Addison Edge are back. All three had a solid offseason and want to keep the momentum going.

They are joined by newcomers Jersie Kline and Fatima Landero-Luna, who are expected to make a big splash on their team.

“We have high expectations for the 2024 season, including being a top-three team at the regionals in October,” said head coach Matt Morris. “Last year left a bitter feeling for many of these ladies, and they are looking for a very different outcome this season.”

Catholic Orthodox Church Owensboro: Owensboro Catholic finished fourth at the state championships last year and is now looking to take the next step. The team returns its entire top seven from 2023, including Anna Booker, Emree Coomes, Ashlie Hayden, Scarlett Isenbarger, Peyton Reid and Ainsley Sutter.

“Our program has grown quite a bit this year,” said head coach Jacob Reid. “There are several girls who are just starting to run and are showing great potential. It will be exciting to see them grow throughout the season.”

Provided the team is spared from the wave of injuries, they are in an excellent position to once again fight for the regional championship and surpass their result from last year at the state level.