While the front of the pack might look a little bit different when this year’s Emmaus girls cross country team competes, the end results could be much the same as past seasons.

The Hornets graduated one of the top runners in District 11 over the past four years in Hailey Reinhard, along with classmate Nicole Nosal, who was also part of last year’s top seven.

This year’s team returns five of last year’s top seven runners and will look to continue to be one of the top teams in the East Penn Conference and District 11.

Emmaus went 16-0 in 2023 en route to winning league and district titles.

“Senior Sophia Kovalski will lead the way this season, along with seniors Brooke Miller, Addison Shank, and Ava Rincon,” said Hornet head coach Kami Reinhard. “These four seniors show immense potential and we hope they can believe in themselves as much as we believe in them.

“We also welcome senior Addison Kleinle, who we expect to be a key contributing member to the girls team.”

Sophomore Madelyn McCartney returns after finishing second in the league championship and third at districts last year.

Junior Addison Johnson (8th at districts), junior Payton Campbell (11th at districts), Kovalski (23rd at EPCs), junior Isabella Scarlata (28th at district) and Shank (27th at districts) also return from last year’s postseason lineup.

Sophomores Kate Newhard and Olivia Fleck could also help the team this season.

“We have been so impressed with the girls team overall, no matter where they finish on the tea,” said Reinhard. “Losing a consistent top district and state performer will paint a different picture for the girls team, but at the same time, there are plenty of girls ready to take the lead.

“We look to Mady McCartney, Payton Campbell, and Addison Johnson to take the baton and unleash their full potential. Each of them have worked very hard training this summer, while also remembering the importance of rest and recovery. I believe they all have the ability to exceed Hailey’s performances, and it will be exciting to watch it all unfold.”