As we head into week 5 the 2024 cross-country season, the 1A girls’ division is shaping up to be highly competitive. With a blend of returning talent and emerging runners, this season promises to showcase incredible performances from athletes across the state. Last year’s state meets and track performances gave us a glimpse of who the top contenders are, and as the season unfolds, we’ll see these athletes push their limits to achieve personal bests and battle for the top spots.

Our rankings consider both cross-country and track performances from last season, and this year’s early results give us insight into who will be leading the charge. With some athletes yet to open their seasons, there is plenty of excitement and anticipation surrounding the races to come. Here’s a look at the top 10 1A girls to watch in 2024.

1) Mary Summers (Seven Rivers Christian School)

  • Season Analysis: Mary Summers had an impressive cross-country season last year, finishing among the top runners in key races, including a 19:21 at the Florida Horse Park (FHP) and 5:01.90 for 1600m during track season. Summers is showing consistent improvement and stands as one of the strongest runners in 1A heading into this season. Expect her to be a top contender as the season progresses.

2) Jaimee Tutton (Pensacola Christian Academy)

  • Season Analysis: Jaimee Tutton is coming off an excellent track season where she clocked a 19:12 at the Gulf Coast Stampede. She demonstrated her ability to run strong throughout the season, placing herself as one of the top competitors in cross-country. With her excellent times and proven track record, Tutton is poised to make a significant impact this year.

3) Rachel Judy (Master’s Academy)

  • Season Analysis: Rachel Judy had a breakout year last season with a strong performance at the Jim Ryun Invitational (19:27) and a solid 11:40.73 for 3200m on the track. Her endurance over longer distances, combined with her competitive edge in major meets, positions her as a top 3 runner for this season. Expect Judy to maintain her spot at the top of the rankings as she continues to develop.

4) Reagan Smith (Pensacola Christian Academy)

  • Season Analysis: Reagan Smith put together a solid cross-country season last year with a 19:32 at Pace Patriot and a 19:31 at Gulf Coast Stampede. Smith’s consistency across multiple meets makes her a runner to keep an eye on. Her proven ability to race well in big meets positions her well to challenge for top spots this season.

5) Estella Collante (Oak Hall)

  • Season Analysis: Estella Collante continues to make strides with her cross-country times. With a strong 19:31 at FHP and a competitive 19:35 at Cecil Field, Collante’s performance in big meets has been noteworthy. She’s an athlete with the potential to rise in the rankings as the season progresses.

6) Eliana Black (Cambridge Christian)

  • Season Analysis: Former 1 A state champion. Her 20:01 at FHP shows she could be a contender later in the season. 

7) Emma Wilkinson (Lakeland Christian School)

  • Season Analysis: Emma Wilkinson had a promising start last season, finishing 6th at the Jim Ryun Invitational with a 20:17, followed by a win at St. Cloud with an 18:50. Wilkinson is an emerging talent, and her ability to race well in both big and smaller meets suggests she will be competitive this season.

8) Caroline Couch (Maclay School)

  • Season Analysis: Caroline Couch has yet to open her cross-country season, but her track times from last year, including a stellar 10:56 for 3200m, speak volumes about her potential. Couch’s endurance and performance on the track make her one of the top-ranked runners to watch this season as she begins her campaign.

9) Lola Murfee (Oak Hall School)

  • Season Analysis: Lola Murfee’s track season was highlighted by her 5:18 PR in the 1600m, and her cross-country season included solid times like a 19:41 at FHP and 20:07 at Cecil Field. Murfee’s combination of speed and endurance makes her a strong competitor heading into this season. Keep an eye on her as she aims to improve her rankings.

10) Sienna AudRey (Community School of Naples)

  • Season Analysis: Sienna Audrey finished 10th at the DDD Sommer Invitational with a time of 20:46, showcasing her ability to compete at a high level. Although she did not compete in the state track meet, her cross-country performances last season have placed her solidly within the top 10 rankings. Representing Community School of Naples, Audrey will be looking to improve her standings and make a mark this season.