2019 MileSplit50 Individual Girls XC Rankings Countdown

No. 3 Katelynne Hart

School: Glenbard West (IL)

Year: 2020

Notable Finishes: 2nd at Foot Locker Nationals, 17:01.00; 16th at NXN; 3rd at Foot Locker Midwest; 1st at NXR Midwest; 1st at IHSAA XC State Championships; 1st at Naperville Twilight

Analysis: Hart could be a sleeper to win a national title in 2019. Because last year proved to be bittersweet. The rising senior had grand hopes at Nike Cross Nationals -- after all, she had won a very tough NXR Midwest Championship -- but those aspirations were tempered following a 16th-place finish. The ensuing rebound effort at Foot Locker Nationals was downright remarkable -- a solo effort in the front for nearly the entire 5K, only to be taken away with a last-ditch kick -- as Hart finished runner-up by a mere second. That performance tied her for the second fastest speed rating of the season with a 164. 

About the only thing left to accomplish for Hart is a national title. The Illinois native has shined across her four seasons at Glenbard West, picking up three state titles, numerous course records, and a reputation for dominating her competition -- Hart herself has a lethal kick. If Hart qualifies for NXN, she would also be in contention to grab her fourth-straight All-American placement. She had seven speed ratings over 150 in 2018.