BELLAIRE • MEMORIAL • RIVER OAKS • TANGLEWOOD • WEST UNIVERSITY

Mavericks Girls XC: A Team Forging Its Own Path to Triumph

By Nia Shetty, St. John's School, School Buzz Reporter | October 5, 2023

Click the Buzz Me button to receive email notifications when this writer publishes a new article or a new article in this column is published.

The official St John's Girls XC 2023 Team photo; From Left: Coach Annaleese Pennay, Coach Melanie Margolis, Coach Rachel Fabre, Kori Hagins, Natalia Frost, Sofia Kiyama, Grace Pan, Fiona Bodmann, Jennifer Lin, Helen Yang, Thea Popovic, Katharine Yao, Nia Shetty, Janie Boom, Sarah Clark, Amanda Brantley, Emarie DiBella, Penelope Macpherson, Caroline Chiao, Lily Harvey, Mary Elizabeth Villa, Bryanna Micu, Claire Connelly, Avery DiNardo, Coach Haley Barrett, Amina Zegar, Annie Villa, Ashley Ringold, Lee Monistere, Cora West, Cate Adams, Jackie Berzin, Saira Merchant, Evie Laskaris, Catherine Dick, Caroline Harvey. (Photo courtesy of Rachel Fabre).

At the crack of dawn (more specifically 5:55 AM) each day, a strong team of 33 dedicated girls gather, eyes half open but still ready to train. Practices led by Head Coach Rachel Fabre are not only building an indestructible team of runners, but also improving our determination and confidence at the same time. The physical aspect of running is simple enough, the tough part is staying mentally strong.

The St. John’s Girls Cross Country (XC) Team has had an exhilarating start to the season so far. The hard work started early in June, finishing off preseason with a retreat in Boston where the team had a great bonding experience exploring the historic city. Under the leadership of captains Janie Boom, Penelope Macpherson, Annie Villa, and Cora West, the team shares plenty of laughs as we battle through tough workouts together. On long bus rides to Austin and Dallas, the positive energy helps calm the nerves of the reality of running a grueling 5k the next morning.

“Cross Country is a unique sport because it is a combination of individual ability, but you combine it together for a team scoring system,” says Coach Fabre, whose experience plays an instrumental role in the team’s success. The only way a team can truly succeed in cross country is if they work together like a well oiled machine. This is what sets the Mavs Girls XC team apart from the rest. The unity that brings the team together helps us set the important goals that lead us to our success, which is forged in our precious sweat and early mornings.

Behind each team of runners are their amazing, passionate coaches. Under the guidance of Coach Fabre are Coach Haley Barrett, Coach Melanie Margolis, and Coach Annaleese Pennay. Without their support at each practice and meet, it would be impossible to push ourselves to the max. Another thing that differentiates the SJS Girls XC team is the unwavering commitment from the parents. From waking up early, to traveling to meets, to bringing in fresh breakfast every morning, they are a part of the countless, amazing people involved in the making of this team.

The St. John’s Girls XC Team is a testament to what can be accomplished when a group of hardworking individuals come together as a team. A bright future is in store for these resilient runners, who are always hungry for more. As the next race approaches and cheers fill the air, this tight-knit family of athletes are creating their own legacy.