Head Coach: Coach Justin Leonard
Last year's finish: UIL 6A State 3rd/NXR South 1st/NXN 20th
Key returners: Sofia Santamaria (Sr), Kate Reppeto (Jr)
Projected top 7: Sofia Santamaria (Sr), Kate Reppeto (Jr), Rima Toure (Jr), Lydia Lo (Jr), Shreya Veeravelli (Sr), Jenna Holland (Jr)
Will's Outlook: Coach Leonard's squad took a very big hit from last year's squad as the team graduated five out of seven from 2017. The team somehow still has a sub 19:00 returning average and a sub 60 split. This kind of program has girls waiting on their turn to fill in the varsity spots and there will be plenty of opportunity in 2018.
With that said, don't count out the Dragons as they will breathe fire when the time counts. Just look at they're third place finish at state last year as well as they're first place at NXR South. Don't forget a tough district will ensure that they are tested throughout the season to be prepared for the state meet.
4. Hebron
Head Coach: Coach Capeau
Last year's finish: UIL 6A State 2nd/ NXR South 3rd
Key returners: Aaliya Fazel (Sr), Keaton Morrison (So), Avery Morrison (So), Navaeh Pantoja (Jr), Mia Regan (Sr)
Projected top 7: Aaliya Fazel (Sr), Keaton Morrison (So), Avery Morrison (So), Nevaeh Pantoja (Jr), Mia Regan (Sr), Elise Wilson (Jr), Kayla Delay (Jr)
Will's Outlook: The Hebron girls had a very good season last year and were one of the top teams in the state all season long. They return the majority of their top seven but do grafuate two key impactful seniors.
This year's squad will be led by Aaliya Fazel and Keaton Morrison.
Despite the loss dealt by graduation, the Hawks return with a 18:43.40 team average. The thing they will have to overcome is their 1:35ish split. A considerable improvement with that will see them contending for a state title and a NXN bid for the second straight year.
Last year's finish: UIL 6A State 7th
Key returners: Maddie Hulcy (Sr), Natalie Fleming (So), Rowan Hassman (Sr), Chloe Hassman (So), Morgan Colon (So), Isabela Iseley (Jr), Taylor Peltier (Jr)
Projected top 7: Maddie Hulcy (Sr), Natalie Fleming (So), Rowan Hassman (Sr), Chloe Hassman (So), Morgan Colon (So), Isabella Iseley (Jr), Taylor Peltier (Jr)
Will's Outlook: Coppell is coming off of a strong XC and track season. Coach Benton had his girls competing with the best of the best last year. This year, they could take a step at becoming the best themselves. They have the experience, talent, and depth that will be hard for just about anyone in the state to match.
They have a returning team average of 18:48 and a respectable 1:08 split. If anything is to be picked at that will hold them back it would be the split. Fleming and Hulcy will be the leaders of what should be a very fun season for the Cowgirls.
Last year's finish: UIL 6A 5th
Key returners: Grace Custer (Sr), Georgia Harper (Sr), Olivia Hirst (Jr), Hope Sage (Jr), Ella Gibb, (Sr), Fay Gibb (Jr), Jana Mahlich (Jr)
Projected top 7: Grace Custer (Sr), Georgia Harper (Sr), Olivia Hirst (Jr), Hope Sage (Jr), Ella Gibb, (Sr), Fay Gibb (Jr), Jana Mahlich (Jr)
Will's Outlook: The 2018 XC season may just the be year it all comes around for Coach Brillon and his group. In past seasons, they were always good, but things just didn't quite fit the championship equation. They were in 5A and doing well; then the got moved to 6A but were in Region 2 and has to travel to unfamiliar competitors; last year they had to deal with effects from Hurricane Harvey. Now, they are still in 6A, but they were realigned to Region 3, which is local to their Houston area and more familiar competitors. This year, the equation seems to be working itself out in what maybe in Stratford's favor at just the right time.
The squad is seasoned and experienced. They have the talent, the depth and better logistical circumstances.
Stratford starts the season with a 18:45.72 team average and a 1:15 team split that could still use some work. When considering their split, keep in mind that Custer is nearly in the 17s. This upcoming season could be a state championship kind of year for the Spartans.
Last year's finish: UIL 6A State 1st/NXR South 2nd/NXN 4th
Key returners: Isabel Van Camp (Sr), Cambria Clark (Sr), Makenna Pallozi (Jr), Madeline Hebert (Sr)
Projected top 7: Isabel Van Camp (Sr), Cambria Clark (Sr), Makenna Pallozzi (Jr), Madeline Hebert (Sr), Katie Carr (Sr), Vera Thompson (Jr)
Key Newcomers: Yecenia Cortez (So)
Will's Outlook: It is no secret, Keller lost three of the state's best and most consistent runners over the last three seasons. With that, teams are smelling blood in the water from the two time defending 6A champs.
But wait one minute!
While they are not the fourth best team in the nation as before, they are still pretty much still the favorites. Keller returns one of the best runners in the state with possibly the best range of anyone not named London Culbreath with their #1-Van Camp. Her coach already said she is one heck of a leader, so who's she can't get rest of the girls on board for another hoorah in Round Rock and Portland.
It's key to remember that before Cambria Clark got to Keller, she did more than hold her own and was an individual state meet qualifier as a sophomore. Then, remember there are still three other girls on this team who have state meet and NXN experience.
But wait one more minute!
They have another newcomer for the second straight year in Yecenia Cortez, formerly of Keller Timber Creek. She is a sub 20 girl for sure and will add to the depth and might just crack their top seven to make the Indians even better.
They enter the season with a returning team average of 18:44.11, which is tops in the state. Their weak spot might be the nearly two minute split. Other than that, 2018 might be just like 2017 - if you want it you're gonna have to go take it from Keller!