Path to the Podium-Pope Girls
What exactly did it take for a team to arrive at the moment where they are standing on the podium, clutching their prized trophy? In this article, Pope coach Cathi Monk details the journey her girls took to their Class AAAAA State Championship, their second in a row.
Leaders who set the tone and made our TEAM successful
Senior Ahna Hicks and Junior Josie Hutchinson laid the foundation for the team's identity, establishing a culture that the freshman girls stepped into confidently.
Their consistency helped teach the younger runners how Pope trains, competes, and handles adversity. As coaches we were proud of the ability of the younger runners to transition from our youth club running mindset to a varsity high school training and racing regimen.
Results that provided motivation for the future
Breakthrough races late in the season showed that the younger core - including Kate Rytlewski, and Louise Delgado - had the talent to push the program forward. On a very hot day, Josie winning the individual state championship, Aislynn finishing 2nd and then being able to place our 3-4-5 runners in the top 13 overall was instrumental in our TEAM success. Our 6th and 7th runners, also freshman, Fallyn Wheeler and Phoebe Throckmorton provided depth for the Hounds.
Winter 2024- Track 2025
Aislynn Dunn and Josie Hutchinson were among the most consistent in keeping their mileage and strength training up, treating winter as the first step toward 2025 success. Through focused training both girls earned an individual State Championship, 4x800 State Championship and led the TEAM to an overall TF team State Title.
Our freshman tandem along with junior Simi Lawani and newcomer Pasha Clayton made noticeable progress in strength and reliability, setting the tone for late season improvements of the overall TEAM. Several athletes had injuries late season; however, their performances throughout the season allowed others the opportunity to "rest" at some meets while still allowing us to be competitive.
Summer 2025
After an incredible 2024-2025 XC and Track seasons, establishing drive and determination was key to setting new goals. WE wanted our athletes to understand that what they had already accomplished was special and they just needed to stay consistent to continue their legacy.
Summer Training Culture
Aislynn and Josie set the tone with consistency and leadership not only in workouts but also with a TEAM mentality.
Team participation on long runs, morning weight sessions, and team attendance at Wingfoot running camp and other social events showed a unified commitment.
Since we have several multi-sport athletes and a key athlete coming off a track injury, we established unique training goals for our top group in order to give each athlete their best opportunity to succeed.
A key TEAM goal was strengthening the middle of the varsity lineup behind the big four while finding new/returning athletes who could contribute to the TEAM aspect.
Start of the season and progression
All three of our top girls (Josie, Aislynn and Louise) delivered reliable performances, confirming the core of the 2025 XC team was developing exactly as hoped. Kate Rytlewski continued season progress after having to start a little late due to an injury.
The TEAM goal was to balance individual success with an overall TEAM finish at the larger meets. The team set more ambitious goals for State and post season racing as confidence grew.
Fallyn Wheeler was one our most improved contributors, setting steady PRs, improving her pacing, and becoming a clear varsity #5 contributor. Having a solid 6-8 group in Phoebe Throckmorton, Sophie Morris and Simi Lawani provided the depth we needed to compete at our best.
Most teams do very similar training and I am proud of what our girls did as the little extras to make them great!