Assumption High School XC Season Preview

As the anticipation for the upcoming high school cross-country season builds, all eyes are on the Assumption High School team. After a successful season last year, the team’s head coach, James Dolan, believes that they have the potential to reach great heights this year. With an overall goal of contending for a state title, Coach Dolan and his team are focused on continuing their progression throughout the season. One of the team’s biggest assets this year is their strong group of returning players. Lucy Dolan, Jordyn Jaglinski, Brooklyn Schoenick, Baylee Hartjes, Leire Sainz De Roza, and Maddie Graumann are all expected to make a significant impact. What makes them special is not just their athletic abilities, but also their unique qualities as individuals. Coach Dolan describes Lucy as consistent, hardworking, and driven to succeed. Jordyn, on the other hand, brings a tenacious attitude and strong work ethic to the team. Brooklyn is known for her ability to adapt and find the best ways to help her team, while Baylee is praised for her steady and selfless attitude. Leire is both fiercely competitive and a great teammate, while Maddie is always willing to push through and sacrifice for her teammates. As for potential team captains, Coach Dolan looks for players who have dealt with adversity and overcome it. Callie Schoenick, who suffered an injury last year, has put in a lot of hard work over the summer and is expected to make a big impact this season. However, the team does not have designated captains this year, as the girls have been running together since middle school and all possess leadership qualities. Team chemistry and camaraderie are crucial for success in any team sport. Coach Dolan believes that the shared goals and the grind of the sport itself naturally foster these elements. The girls have been working together for years and have a tight-knit bond that will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their success. The coach’s role in building team chemistry is mainly to remind the team of their strengths and potential, and to embrace the mental and physical challenges of the sport together. When it comes to motivating his players to push themselves to their full potential, Coach Dolan believes that the goal of a state title is a strong motivator in itself. The team has set high goals for themselves, and their self-motivation and accountability to each other are what drives them to succeed.