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The Lady Scots Cross Country team has won more UIL State Championships than any other girls' team in Texas. Since they first competed as a team in 1975, they have accumulated 14 State Championships, 42 Varsity District Championships and 35 Varsity Regional Championships. The JV team has won every District title since they fielded a team. And at least one Lady Scot has been in the state meet each year, since 1975. 47 years of tradition - all under three coaches.
The rich history is a source of pride for Coach Susan Bailey's team, as they move up in UIL classification to 6A. According to team member Charlotte Hudson, "it's not pressure - it's more encouragement that "wow," we're a part of that legacy. We can continue to build that legacy. We're running for the girls who came before us and we're running for the girls who are coming after us. That is really what our team is all about."
We're running for the girls who came before us and we're running for the girls who are coming after us.Charlotte Hudson, Highland Park
Regarding the legacy, Kayla Dickerson says that "it's inspiring more than it is intimidating. Our current word of the week is "selfless." It's a great reminder that it's not about you; it's about the team. Coach Bailey is always reminding us of that." Be it in the classroom or on the course, "we're expected to maintain that tradition of excellence," says Ashley Goldman.
Tradition aside, what drives a group of over sixty young women to join this particular team? Many of them ran together in middle school or had an older sister on the high school team. One athlete even mentioned not liking cross country back in 7th grade, but the draw of being part of a group in high school pulled her back in. She's fully on board and in her third year on the team.
"The amount of work is just insane, but the reward is so big."Rylie Galanos, Highland Park
The girls shared that very few people come out for the team and drop out, because the community they build is so inviting. "I love our team for the culture that it embodies. Everyone works hard for one another and it's really cool to watch everyone grow as a whole," said Kennedy Foy. From team carpools, team dinners, dress-up days to ice baths, "it's a sisterhood and a family. We're really unified and all committed to working hard, every single day," according to Windsor Rhodes. The group agreed when Rylie Galanos shared "the amount of work is just insane, but the reward is so big."
Avery Owens summed up the Lady Scots team well. "I keep coming back each year because of the community. You have such a big support system on this team. Everyone wants the best for the team. It's such a selfless environment. Coaches and your fellow teammates teach you so many life lessons that you can take with you outside of running. Your friends and family don't fully understand, but you have 60 other girls who do. It's the best blessing."