Entering the 2024-2025 season, the Lafayette girls cross-country team will be missing some important players that graduated in 2024.

“We graduated some heavy-hitters so we are reloading,” Head Coach Jill Harmon said, “We’re not rebuilding, we’re reloading. We have a lot of underclassmen.”

Sophomore Kelly Archambeault is adjusting to her new team.

“Last season was my first year running cross country and I looked up to the seniors, but now that they’ve graduated I plan on improving my own personal drive and finding motivation in myself to put the work in,” said Archambeault.

As a team, the Lancers are aiming to make it back to the State Tournament this year.

“Last year we were in contention for a trophy, and we didn’t have the best state meet. Our goal is to make it back [to state] as a team and place better than tenth. That is my expectation,” Harmon said.

The team will be making key improvements this year to reach their goals.

“We’re going to improve on racing. [Our runners] are very good at workouts but a lot of them get scared with racing. Some [runners] have to get comfortable with going out at a fast pace and hurting for longer than they expected,” Harmon said.

Kelly Archambeault said the teams energy gives her hope for the start of the season.

“I’ve heard girls saying they’re both nervous and excited for upcoming meets so I’d say that’s a great sign,” Archambeault said.