Lucas Lovejoy and Smithson Valley girls will compete head-to-head this weekend
2025 UIL State Championships
October 31 - Nov. 1, 2025
The 2025 UIL 5A Girls Cross Country State Championship is shaping up to be a thrilling rematch between last year's top two teams, defending champions Smithson Valley and perennial powerhouse Lucas Lovejoy. These two programs have held the top two spots in the CCCAT team rankings all season long, and now they'll settle it on the course at Old Settlers Park.
Last fall, it was Smithson Valley who broke through to end Lovejoy's three-year state title run, pulling off an impressive 54-point team total behind a tight 53-second 1-5 split and an 18:46 team average. Lovejoy followed with 97 points and a 19:14 average, finishing runner-up but not without a fight. The two teams return to Round Rock in 2025 with loaded rosters, renewed energy, and unfinished business.
This season, Lovejoy enters the meet ranked No. 1, with a team that appears deeper and faster than a year ago. Led by freshman Emily Armstrong, who won the Region 2 title in 18:14, the Lady Leopards boast a sub-19 team average of 18:32.81 and a tight 45-second 1-5 spread, a key indicator of pack strength. Their top five includes Camryn Benson, Bridget Bernal, Sofia Dominguez, and Talia Orshalick, all of whom are capable of scoring low points in a deep 5A field.
On the other hand, Smithson Valley, the reigning champs, haven't missed a beat, despite missing one of their top runners from 2024, last year's third-place individual Brady Solansky (18:10.50).
In her absence, the Rangers have stepped up collectively, led by Region 4 champion Aubrey Pozzi, who won in 18:26.79. Fellow returner Lilly Koenig has also been a key front-runner. While their team average of 18:39.76 (Skyler Fonseca, Addison Knibbe, Parker Julian) is slightly slower than Lovejoy's, their championship experience and mental toughness make them an undeniable threat.
The matchup is razor-close. Lovejoy has the statistical edge in depth and split, while Smithson Valley matches with more seasoned front-running core than in 2024. Last year's championship wasn't decided until the final 2K, and this one could be even tighter.
If Smithson Valley can close the gap from runners 4 and 5, they could very well defend their crown. But if Lovejoy's rising stars and experienced core hold strong and push up, the Lady Leopards could reclaim the title they held for three consecutive years.
With championship pride, legacies, and redemption on the line, this is the showdown 5A fans have been waiting for.