The 2025 high school girls cross country season is set to ignite with a strong lineup of returning talent and promising newcomers across several teams. Last fall, twelve runners were selected for the Lowell Sun girls cross country All-Star team, with eleven of them returning to compete this season. Notably, Billerica’s Gianna McGowan, along with Caitlin and Kylie Donahue, and Westford’s Emily Wedlake, Abigail Hennessy, and Diya Shrestha, will continue to showcase their skills as they lead their respective teams.
Westford Academy, the reigning All-State champions, and Billerica, the current Division 1C champions, are both poised to defend their titles with nearly their entire rosters intact. Greater Lowell Tech also stands out, having completed last season with a perfect 6-0 record, setting the stage for another exciting year in cross country.
Team Insights and Expectations
The Academy of Notre Dame/Innovation Academy, competing in the CAC League, finished last season with a 3-1 record. Coach Deborah Darlington emphasized the team’s focus on individual growth this year, highlighting senior runners Sarah Benchekroun and RuthAnn Ambrose as key athletes to watch.
Alvirne, part of the NHIAA Division I League, aims to build on last season’s seventh-place finish at the Division 1 Championship Meet. Coach Kaitlyn Wilson, in her first season, expressed optimism about the team’s potential, noting the arrival of motivated newcomers alongside seasoned runners.
Over at Ayer Shirley, Coach Chris Donovan is entering his 20th season, leading a strong group of upperclassmen, including captains Carolyn Mason and Ada Perwak. With a solid 5-1 record last season, the team is positioned to compete effectively in the Mid-Wach D League.
Billerica’s team, under coach Cullen Hagan, boasts a remarkable record of 10-0 in the MVC D1 league last season, including a win at the Division 1C championship. The team returns their top seven runners and adds several impactful newcomers, making this one of their strongest lineups yet.
Chelmsford High School will see captains Kate Leonard, Lucy Labrecque, and Chloe Mereves guiding their team into the season after a 4-6 finish last year. Coach Karen Blagg is optimistic, citing the team’s summer training as a key factor for success.
Emerging Talents and Competitive Spirit
Dracut’s team, which finished with a 3-7 record last season, is led by captain Ella Annunziata and is looking to turn things around with a strong summer of training behind them. Coach Erik Taber believes that the experience gained last year will benefit the team significantly.
Greater Lowell Tech finished last season undefeated and won multiple championships, including the CAC league. With returning captains Emma Sullivan and Audrey Yann, Coach Matthew Murphy is confident that their depth will once again make them a formidable contender.
Groton-Dunstable, with a 5-1 record last season, aims to build on their previous success with senior captains Finley Clinton, Meghan McEleney, and Haley Traverse at the helm. Coach Chris Volante anticipates contributions from a strong freshman class to support the team’s goals.
Littleton, with a 2-5 record last season, has high hopes as they welcome promising newcomer Cassidy Forsberg. Coach Ted Painter is enthusiastic about the team’s potential, emphasizing the commitment of the athletes.
As the season unfolds, teams like Westford Academy and Billerica will be watched closely as they attempt to defend their titles, while emerging teams like Greater Lowell Tech look to make significant strides. The enthusiasm surrounding these high school athletes promises an exhilarating season ahead as they lace up their running shoes and hit the trails.
