The girls’ cross country team capped off an extraordinary season by claiming the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 5 State Title for the fourth time in the past five seasons.
“They recognized the importance of every member’s contribution, and understood that every point counts in scoring,” Principal Dr. Claire LeBlanc said.
Last year’s conference realignment moved Ocean Lakes from VHSL Region 6A to 5A, affecting their competition at both a regional and state level. After losing states in 2022, the girls felt motivated to beat the new competition that arose in 2023.
“It was a close race and everyone’s individual race mattered to pull off the team win,” senior Lauren Rakov said. “Our girls were all extremely determined to win, our motivation and perseverance is what earned us the championship.”
The Class 5 State Championship was held at Oatlands Plantation in Leesburg, Va. on Nov. 16, 2024. Compared to what the girls typically practice and compete on, this course has a significant amount of hills, combined with strong winds and the cold weather of November.
“Oatlands is unlike anything else. In training, we mostly run at First Landing State Park, but there are not that many mountains there,” junior Frederika Bartsch said. “Therefore, we also practice at Mount Trashmore to train on hills.”
The victory was led by the top five scorers, senior Lindsay Meadows (19:42, fifth), Frederika (20:05, seventh), senior Grace Thompson (20:11, ninth), Lauren (20:48, 19th) and senior Khadija Sissoko with a time of 21:19, in 23rd place. They placed first out of 11 teams with over 90 runners and an overall score of 62 points.
“The legacy of these seniors will be of maturity, consistency and competitiveness,” girls cross country coach Micheal Nestor said. “While our top six girls will not be on next year’s team, the qualities they personified will be.”
The team’s regional win, held at Bells Mill Park on Nov. 2, 2024, was the 16th regional victory the ladies have secured since 2000. They finished with an overall score of 35, and Lindsay placed second overall.
“Although we were favored at regionals, I personally think you have a bit of pressure because you want to do your best and win,” Frederika said. “I think we were able to resist it pretty well.”
After their 2023 Class 5 State Championship win, the top five runners returned for the 2024 season, setting high expectations for another state title. The team met these expectations, while also adding another regional title to their record.
“This victory is a testament to their unwavering commitment and determination to achieve their season-long goal of winning the state championship,” LeBlanc said.
