Highland Regional XC Building Belief, Culture, and Champions
At Highland Regional, cross country isn’t just about running—it’s about purpose, pride, and power. Under the passionate leadership of Coach Michael Zurzolo, the girls XC team enters this offseason with intensity, vision, and an unshakable belief in one another.
Offseason Focus: Raising & Protecting the Standard
“Our team’s core goal is to compete at the highest level—every athlete, every day,” said Coach Zurzolo. The Lady Tartans aren’t just “going through the motions.” Instead, the program is grounded in intention and empowerment, with a strong message that young women deserve and demand the same competitive fire and focus as anyone else.
“We want every girl to feel like they can be THAT girl—the one who dares to dream big and chase it relentlessly.”
Camps & Culture: Runningworks Cross Country Camp
Each summer, the team travels to Runningworks XC Camp, a vital part of their cultural foundation. More than just a training experience, the camp cultivates team chemistry and individual leadership, thanks to a dedicated staff who “treat each athlete like family.”
Notable Departures & Leadership Shift
Highland bids farewell to Audrey Musmeci and Katie Punch, two leaders who helped shape the program’s competitive culture. Their legacy leaves big shoes to fill, but it also opens space for new voices and emerging leaders to rise.
Athletes to Watch: Big Potential, Bigger Hearts
Lyana Gutierrez: The team’s top returner had a breakout year in 2023 and enters her final XC season transformed—stronger, smarter, and hungrier than ever.
Toni-Loren Powell & Priscilla Guerrero Sanchez: These two stepped up last season and are primed for even more. Their impressive track seasons suggest that big things lie ahead this fall.
Targeted Training: Strength Meets Strategy
Highland works with strength coach Emily Hansell, who develops personalized training plans to address each runner’s imbalances and needs. Hansell’s deep understanding of competitive running makes her an invaluable asset.
Fueling the Fire: Nutrition Philosophy
Coach Zurzolo keeps it simple and powerful: “Food is fuel.” The team embraces the idea that fueling properly is essential to performance. Or, as legendary fictional runner Quentin Cassidy puts it, “If the furnace is hot enough, it will burn anything—even a Big Mac.”
Coaching Inspiration: Learning from the Best
Coach Zurzolo’s offseason has included a deep dive into elite coaching minds like Chris Miltenberg (UNC), Mike Smith (NAU), and Diljeet Taylor (BYU). Taylor’s book “Believe in Her” and her podcast appearances have particularly shaped his approach.
“She is the gold standard for coaching women,” Zurzolo said. “The way she inspires belief in her athletes is exactly the kind of impact I want to have here.”
Community Connection: Collaboration Over Competition
The Highland XC team actively connects with alumni and other programs through group summer runs and shared experiences. The program believes in lifting the whole South Jersey running community, not just itself.
“Our competitors help bring out the best in us. It’s not animosity—it’s gratitude.”
Biggest Challenge: Small Team, Big Heart
With just three returners from a five-girl squad, numbers remain tight. But instead of viewing it as a weakness, Highland embraces it.
“It’s us against the world,” says Zurzolo. “With a small team, we build tighter bonds and greater trust. As long as we have five girls with beating hearts on the line, we’ll be a force to be reckoned with.”
Final Word
This fall, don’t let the size of the Highland Regional girls cross country team fool you. Fueled by belief, built on purpose, and bonded like family, these girls are ready to turn heads and tear up the course—together.
, Mike Smith (NAU), and Diljeet Taylor (BYU). Taylor’s book “Believe in Her” and her podcast appearances have particularly shaped his approach.
“She is the gold standard for coaching women,” Zurzolo said. “The way she inspires belief in her athletes is exactly the kind of impact I want to have here.”
Community Connection: Collaboration Over Competition
The Highland XC team actively connects with alumni and other programs through group summer runs and shared experiences. The program believes in lifting the whole South Jersey running community, not just itself.
“Our competitors help bring out the best in us. It’s not animosity—it’s gratitude.”
Biggest Challenge: Small Team, Big Heart
With just three returners from a five-girl squad, numbers remain tight. But instead of viewing it as a weakness, Highland embraces it.
“It’s us against the world,” says Zurzolo. “With a small team, we build tighter bonds and greater trust. As long as we have five girls with beating hearts on the line, we’ll be a force to be reckoned with.”
Final Word
This fall, don’t let the size of the Highland Regional girls cross country team fool you. Fueled by belief, built on purpose, and bonded like family, these girls are ready to turn heads and tear up the course—together.)
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