The girls cross-country team, led by Marisa Poe ‘22, Faith Heffernan ‘22, and Mishal Powers ‘22, got off to a blistering start this season. With Marisa, who finished first overall at two large-scale meets—the Landon Invitational and Georgetown Prep Classic—the team is coming into its own. This season’s team consists of dedicated seniors and eager freshmen all coming together in pursuit of a common goal.

Head Coach, David Raisler’s approach to cross country is very similar to one he uses in his classroom: "Students in math have a variety of learning styles and backgrounds that they bring to the classroom. With running, it's similar in the sense that we have people who have spent the summer training and we have people who are really just coming to running for the first time. We are an inclusive, no-cuts team. Ultimately, it's about meeting the runners where they are—ensuring that we really develop them to the highest level of fitness possible.

Raisler loves that the cross country athletes are always looking to push their limits. The newest member, Callie Wallace ‘25 has done well in numerous races and shows much promise. Captains, Mishal and Faith, are training to run a marathon at the end of October. As for Marisa, she has her sights on winning the ISL Championships, State Championships, and entering the Regionals with the hopes of qualifying for the Footlocker National Championships. Marisa says,

"I'm a very competitive person. I try to push my limits and be the best at whatever I'm doing. In cross country, the support system is really what I really love about our team because everybody is pushing each other to be their best."

Come on out to cheer on the cross country team—there’s no better way to experience autumn outdoors! The Frogs will run in the ISL/MAC Championships on Saturday, October 30 at Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood, MD, and the DCSAA Championships on Saturday, November 6 at Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens in DC.

Marisa Poe won the DCSAA Championship race—finishing first and also earning the girls cross country MVP Award! She also finished second in the ISL Championships the week before.

Photo by Susie Shaffer ©