The Foundation of Success
The summer before her junior year, Emily Orr of El Paso Franklin was confident. She had already qualified for the UIL 6A state cross-country championships in both her freshman and sophomore years, helping the Franklin girls - alongside the boys program - carve out a reputation as one of the toughest teams from the far West Texas region. The program's success was built on trust in the coaching system, and for Orr, that meant following the plan and embracing the grind.
A Season of Sudden Change
Just days before the start of the 2024 season, that foundation was shaken. Head coach LaSpada unexpectedly stepped away from the teaching and coaching profession. The newly hired assistant, Albert Omer, was thrust into the head coach role almost overnight. For Orr, it meant adjusting to a completely new environment at the very moment when consistency mattered most.
Despite the minor turbulence, Orr's early results spoke volumes. In just her third race of the season, she stormed to victory at the Southlake Carroll Invitational, one of Texas's most prestigious early meets. Her 17:46 performance tied her personal best and earned her a win against some of the state's top competition. It was proof that her off-season training had carried her through the transition.
Building Confidence Through Adversity
The rest of the fall wasn't as smooth. Orr never dipped under 18 minutes again, yet she showed consistency and resilience, finishing the year with a 10th-place performance at the UIL 6A State Championships. That all-state finish gave her the belief that she could thrive no matter the circumstances.
Her development carried over to the track season, where she clocked new personal bests of 4:48 in the 1600m and 10:36 in the 3200m, sharpening her confidence. With her progression intact, Orr entered the 2025 season ready for another leap forward.
"I think in El Paso, we are used to difficulties. Most of the courses are difficult with different types of terrain, and you can see that all in the same course. "
Emily Orr, El Paso Franklin
A Strong Start to 2025
This fall, Orr has already looked sharper than a year ago. In races where she opened in the 18:50s and 18:30s last season, she's already delivered 17:49 and 18:03 wins - both commanding efforts that showed her training base is stronger than ever. Now, she returns to Southlake, a course that has consistently brought out her best. Alongside last year's win, Orr was runner-up at the Southlake #2 Invitational as a sophomore.
"I was very fit to start last year and a top ten finish at state was always the goal," Orr said. "The confidence was back after the Region 1-6A race, which is always a tough race, and going into state, I was excited."
Training Smart, Staying Healthy
Under Coach Omer, Franklin's program has regained its rhythm, and the culture feels stronger than ever. Orr credits her steady development to a thoughtful approach to training. She has embraced a low-mileage plan, using the elliptical and bike to stay sharp without overtraining.
"Staying healthy is something I've been proud of, and that is the goal for the rest of high school just as much as it is to run fast," she said.
That mindset fits perfectly with the challenges of racing in El Paso. "I think in El Paso, we are used to difficulties. Most of the courses are difficult with different types of terrain, and you can see that all in the same course. No type of shoes is really effective on El Paso cross country courses," Orr explained. That toughness has become part of her racing DNA.
The Goal Ahead
Orr has set her senior-year goals with clarity: stay healthy and finish top five at state. If she can consistently hover in the 17s and low 18s, she knows she'll put herself in position to accomplish both.
"I've had a great summer of base training. My fitness level is at a good place and I've had a great four years of progress," Orr said.
With her confidence renewed, her team back on track, and a familiar course ahead, Emily Orr returns to Southlake ready for another breakthrough. Against the best in Texas - and the South Region - don't be surprised if she takes things to another level this weekend.
