After a long and successful season, Carrollton’s cross country finished at the state championships. From November 17 to 19, the girls persevered through races in Tallahassee and impressively finished in 5th place.
Grace Aldrich ‘25 was the highest-placed Carrollton student at 5th place in the 5,000-meter run at 18:27.40. Although she only joined the cross country team this year, she has led the team to victory after victory.
A big part of the team’s success, according to Aldrich, was the entire team’s commitment and dedication to the sport. “Everyone was really committed so that really helped us physically racing. I think that since we spent a lot of time together like at practices and races and also on overnight trips when we would be together at a hotel or spend the day together, we all were a really close and bonded team so we wanted to do well for each other and we were excited to race as a team.”
Because it was her first year on the cross-country team, it was difficult for Aldrich to adjust at first. “It was kind of difficult joining later than others just because I had never done cross country before, so at first I didn’t know what races were like what I should expect and how to pace myself during the race. After some time with the help of the coaches and my teammates, it became easier.”
Reflecting on the season, Aldrich shared her eagerness for next season, “We have the potential to do more. I think that the outcome of the state race will motivate us to practice even harder next year so that we can be even more successful.”
Daniela Hernandez ‘27, was the second highest-placed Carrollton student at 17th place in the 5,000-meter run at 19:24.70. She has been a part of Carrollton’s cross country team since she was in 6th grade and has since been an important asset to the team’s success as well.
Much like Aldrich, Hernandez attributed this year’s successful season to the team as a whole. “The ups [of the season] were bonding with my team, getting closer to them, and breaking the school record.”
Even so, Hernandez still had struggles in the season. “The down was definitely at districts when I didn’t finish the race because I fainted and had to get taken to the hospital. For the most important races of the season, I wasn’t in my best shape. I was mad at the fact that that happened to me right before regionals and states, but I just wanted to finish the season, so I ran at both races even when I wasn’t supposed to.”
Closing off the season, Hernandez said, “Individually I didn’t run the way and the time I wanted to, but I speak for the team when I say that it was an amazing experience. The course was incredible, and it’s not easy to compete in states. We got 5th place which is amazing, but next year we are looking to place in the top 3 and we’re just going to run hard until we get there.”
