
* Elizabeth Leachman is the defending UIL 5A champion
Photo Credit: Gabriel Nieland/Texas MileSplit
- - -
Before we know it, the upcoming cross country season is going to be in full swing.
There are quite a few girls in the junior class that are bound to make some noise this fall, led by a pair of superstars in Elizabeth Leachman and Addy Ritzenhein.
The rising high school junior out of Boerne Champion (TX) is the top returner nationwide and is sporting a personal best of 16:07.60 from the NXR South Regional last fall.
The next-best returner is Niwot's (CO) Ritzenhein, also a rising junior who owns a best of 16:44.90. The reigning Gatorade National Cross Country Player of the Year and Nike Cross Nationals champion is going to be the girl to beat in 2024.
Check out the rest of the junior girls who are ready to roll.

Top 500 Junior Girls Returning This Cross Country Season
RANK | TIME | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATE PLACE |
---|
1 | 16:07.60 | TX Boerne Champion | 2026 | |