Cross Country G
The girls' cross country program at Phillips Academy offers opportunities for runners of varied abilities. We gather regularly as a team, and break up into groups to train at a variety of levels. We welcome the very experienced runner, as well as the novice runner. Each individual has something to contribute to the team, and each individual has something to learn from her teammates! Our goal is to meet each individual “where she is” in her training and help her improve.
Our varsity and junior varsity teams are strong and continue to grow in numbers and in depth. Our varsity team has won the New England Prep School Division I Championships in 1992, 1993, 1995, 1999, and 2005-2010. Our junior varsity team has won the JV Championships in ten of the past twelve years.
Our novice program provides runners with little experience or training the opportunity to learn the fundamentals and increase training at a very gradual pace. The girls move from group to group throughout the season, as appropriate. Everyone has the opportunity to race when ready. We welcome all girls who enjoy running and who have a genuine desire to improve in training and in competition.
Our program emphasizes the philosophy that training for racing includes much more than running. Overall health is paramount. Balanced nutrition, good sleep habits, positive thinking, cross training, and strength training all contribute to the overall health of high school runners and are key components to the successful preparation for cross country racing! My simple coaching philosophy is: “I am not training ‘runners.’ I am training high school girls, who happen to run!”
The town of Andover provides us with superb places to run. There are numerous trail runs, as well as residential neighborhoods, with the variety of terrain (including great hills!) to prepare us for the most challenging courses. We train seriously, and we have a lot of fun. Throughout the season, as each individual works toward her goals, the team comes together to work toward a common goal, providing a network of friendship and support for all team members.
Lynn Jennings, an Olympic Bronze Medalist, Attends GV Cross Country Practice