Glenbard West High School Cross Country Girls Season Preview

The Glenbard West High School cross-country team is gearing up for another competitive and exciting season. Coach Paul Hass is determined to lead his team to success with a group of talented and hardworking athletes. In this preview article, we speak with Coach Hass about the team's goals, top returning players, new players to watch, strategies, and more. The returning players on the team include Alexa Novak (Jr.), Mackenzie Gilbert (Jr.), Maia Kaslewicz (Sr.), and Ella Demchinski (Jr.). Each of these athletes has put in the work and miles during the summer and are ready to lead the team. Coach Hass notes that their dedication and commitment to the team make them special. They are also expected to bring their experience and leadership to help the team achieve its goals. With a team goal targeted at finishing in the top half of the competitive West Suburban Silver conference, the Lady Hilltoppers are also aiming to qualify for the IHSA 3A state meet. This won't be an easy task, but Coach Hass believes that if the team runs for each other and supports one another like a family, they can achieve this goal. Team chemistry and camaraderie are important aspects that the coach emphasizes for the team's success. When it comes to new players, Coach Hass mentions Lauren Bennett (So.) and Shayne Dietzen (Fr.) as potential impact players for this season. Bennett's dedication and improvement from last year have impressed the coach, and Dietzen is expected to make an impact on the team early in the season. These new players bring a fresh dynamic to the team and add to its overall strength. When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Hass looks for qualities such as dedication, leadership, and commitment to the team. This year, the team has decided not to have designated captains and instead have all 13 seniors act as leaders in their unique way. This decision promotes a collaborative and inclusive environment within the team. Motivating the players to reach their full potential is a key aspect that Coach Hass focuses on. He emphasizes the value of teamwork and supporting each other during practices and other team activities. Additionally, the team's schedule includes invitationals with top competition, motivating the players to perform at their best. Preparing for this season came with its challenges, including getting teenagers to commit to early morning training when most their age would prefer to sleep in.