Over the past few years, a number of Louisville sports teams have had considerable success in the post season. Anyone who enters St. Louis Hall can clearly see the achievements of teams hanging proudly on the banners. Usually the volleyball, soccer, and basketball teams receive their well deserved praise and recognition, but there is another team that deserves the success spotlight as well: cross country. 

Just last year, the team finished high enough to qualify for the CIF preliminary race in the Southern Section. This race is the post season goal for any cross country team, giving them a chance to qualify for sectionals or a state championship as a team. 

Chloe Bowling ’26, a co-captain this season, impressively qualified individually for States last year.

Continuing their success this season, the team is on track to qualify once again. They are currently sitting in second place in their league and have beat many of the other teams during a given race. 

Cross country’s consistent successful results started around 2022, which was coincidentally the freshman season for this year’s seniors. Ever since, the team's results have been getting better and better as their bond and skills grow. The girls on the team have a very close connection and use their friendship to help inspire their effort. 

“I believe our bond is strengthened by our laughter, which does make us run faster,” explained runner, Brontë Damm ’28. 

Chloe views the team as a family and really values her cross country teammates. The team is able to come together, often eating, hanging out and training most days after school. 

A part of the team’s preseason training includes a few weeks up north in Mammoth to practice running in higher altitude. The experience prepares them to work together and become stronger runners, however the memories they share from the trip are even more important; helping the team grow closer and bond over the fun they have. The team partakes in a variety of different training and running exercises that usually amount to 40 miles a week. The challenges of training help the team push through and strive for success. 

“The team is looking very strong and I believe we will make it to the CIF prelims again,” said Chloe Bowling ’26.

As the team’s bond has gotten stronger, their performance has visibly improved. Many people on the team believe their connection truly does fuel their performance. Similar to the famous motto of the Dillon Panthers football team from “Friday Night Lights,” anytime the Louisville cross country team runs with “clear eyes and full hearts,” they can’t lose.