As the fall season approaches, the Seneca High School Girls Cross Country team is embracing the grind, both mentally and physically, under the guidance of Coach Chad Devino. With tradition, toughness, and team bonding at the core, this offseason is setting the tone for what promises to be another memorable year.
Offseason Focus
Coach Devino emphasizes the importance of building both the body and the mind. “The focus is always getting in those miles and cross training to prevent injuries further down the line,” he explains. Preventing injuries and maintaining athlete well-being has become a key goal—and staying healthy for an entire season is viewed as a major win.
Special Offseason Events
The team has some exciting and meaningful experiences lined up. They’re planning a motivational workout at Holmdel Park—the iconic home of the NJSIAA State Championships and the legendary “Bowl.” The visit is not just a workout but a goal-setting opportunity, symbolizing what the team hopes to achieve this fall.
Another event in the works is a race at Bear Mountain, NY, mixing in team bonding with challenging hill training—“Getting those hills in!” is a motto the team embraces with pride.
Roster Updates & Leadership Changes
Seneca bids farewell to three impactful seniors, including Keira Sawdy, a breakout varsity runner who consistently hit personal records throughout the season. Also graduating are team captains Jaycee Dybus and Hunter Kirkbride, who were instrumental in providing leadership and dedication. Their presence will be missed, but their legacy lives on.
Athletes to Watch
Seneca returns a strong group of runners ready to make an impact:
Catherine Hodges (11th), nicknamed “Megatron,” has become a powerhouse performer and is primed for a standout senior season.
Jaden Eberman and Abby Connolly (10th) continue to improve and show high potential.
Simona Delcollo (11th) aims to consistently break the 23-minute mark this season.
Jacey Caracci (11th) brings reliability and relentless work ethic.
Emerging names include:
Gwen Hodgson (11th), coming off injury and building her form.
Lucy Wojculeski (9th), who made varsity as a freshman and is putting up impressive numbers.
Lily Hoey (11th) and Anna Medvesky (10th) are also showing growth, leadership, and promise.
Training & Fitness
The team hits the weight room twice a week in the offseason, focusing on bodyweight HIIT workouts designed by Coach Devino to improve strength and prevent injuries. During the season, they shift toward weekly yoga sessions for flexibility, recovery, and core development.
Nutrition & Fueling Performance
Coach Devino provides a whole foods-based meal plan at the beginning of each season to ensure his runners are fueling properly. Emphasis is placed on clean eating and hydration, helping to avoid heat-related issues and maximize energy. “You have to fuel your body in order to reach your peak of performance,” he says.
Coaching Strategy
Seneca’s coaching approach prioritizes year-round activity. Runners are encouraged to join winter and spring track or other athletic programs to maintain conditioning and competitiveness. A summer running plan is also sent out, helping athletes stay ready and connected during the offseason months.
Community Connection
Seneca Cross Country stays engaged with the community through social media outreach and is always met with strong local support, especially during state championship runs and fundraising events.
Challenges Ahead
The team’s key challenges are familiar: staying competitive in a tough conference, filling the gaps left by graduating seniors, building roster numbers, and—most importantly—avoiding injuries. But with a focused offseason and a determined core, Seneca is set to take on the challenge head-on.
, nicknamed “Megatron,” has become a powerhouse performer and is primed for a standout senior season.
Jaden Eberman and Abby Connolly (10th) continue to improve and show high potential.
Simona Delcollo (11th) aims to consistently break the 23-minute mark this season.
Jacey Caracci (11th) brings reliability and relentless work ethic.
Emerging names include:
Gwen Hodgson (11th), coming off injury and building her form.
Lucy Wojculeski (9th), who made varsity as a freshman and is putting up impressive numbers.
Lily Hoey (11th) and Anna Medvesky (10th) are also showing growth, leadership, and promise.
Training & Fitness
The team hits the weight room twice a week in the offseason, focusing on bodyweight HIIT workouts designed by Coach Devino to improve strength and prevent injuries. During the season, they shift toward weekly yoga sessions for flexibility, recovery, and core development.
Nutrition & Fueling Performance
Coach Devino provides a whole foods-based meal plan at the beginning of each season to ensure his runners are fueling properly. Emphasis is placed on clean eating and hydration, helping to avoid heat-related issues and maximize energy. “You have to fuel your body in order to reach your peak of performance,” he says.
Coaching Strategy
Seneca’s coaching approach prioritizes year-round activity. Runners are encouraged to join winter and spring track or other athletic programs to maintain conditioning and competitiveness. A summer running plan is also sent out, helping athletes stay ready and connected during the offseason months.
Community Connection
Seneca Cross Country stays engaged with the community through social media outreach and is always met with strong local support, especially during state championship runs and fundraising events.
Challenges Ahead
The team’s key challenges are familiar: staying competitive in a tough conference, filling the gaps left by graduating seniors, building roster numbers, and—most importantly—avoiding injuries. But with a focused offseason and a determined core, Seneca is set to take on the challenge head-on.
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