The air is cool, the sun is just rising, and the sound of shoes pounding on the trails echoes through Wayzata. At practice, the girls of the Wayzata cross country team push each other stride for stride, their focus set on something bigger than just another practice or workout. For them, every single mile is part of a much larger goal: a fourth straight state championship and a fourth straight NXN appearance.
On any given morning, the girls might log miles before most of their classmates have even woken up. Teammates call out encouragement, trade jokes, and push each other to stay on pace, creating a rhythm that feels almost like music on trails.
Wayzata is one of the most successful girls cross country programs in Minnesota. The Trojans have won three consecutive state titles and competed at Nike nationals three years in a row. This fall, they’re aiming to add another chapter to their growing legacy.
Wayzata isn’t just a powerhouse in Minnesota. Year after year, they’ve been recognized as one of the deepest programs in the country. Alumni have gone to compete at schools like University of Minnesota, Colorado, and Tennessee, carrying the program’s reputation far beyond the state lines. But what sets them apart from every other team chasing the same dream?
One answer to that is experience. At last year’s state meet, Maddie Gullickson placed second overall, while 2 of her teammates finished in the top ten as well, giving Wayzata one of the best team scores in state history, and all three of them are returning this season. Having that level of talent and depth back gives them an advantage that most teams simply don’t have. Competing in the competitive Lake Conference, where every race feels like a championship, also keeps them prepared for high-pressure moments.
A lot of their experience starts early. Each summer, dozens of elementary and middle school girls join the Trojans at camp. They play games, do short workouts, and hear older athletes talk about their journeys. For many, that’s where the dream of wearing a Wayzata jersey begins.
Senior captain Maddie Gullickson knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. She is currently the top-ranked runner in Minnesota and just recently committed to run at NC state. Gullickson also has the experience as she has been racing with varsity since her 8th grade year, “I feel like I can take initiative and lead by example,” she said. For Gullickson, past wins and races don’t add pressure, they inspire her to be better. “We use success as motivation…we really value being present in the moment.”
Behind every strong athletic program is strong leadership. For Wayzata, that comes from head coach Kalsey Beach, who took over in late 2023 and has been a leader ever since. Gullickson describes her as “very trustworthy” and credits her with carrying on the culture that has made Wayzata so consistent. That culture focuses not only on training hard, but also building connections with one another. Seniors are expected to guide the younger runners, making sure every athlete feels supported. Senior captain Cyrena Carr takes this role seriously. “I try my best to be a positive leader…I make sure everyone is taken care of and has a buddy,” she said.
Even runners who aren’t on varsity play an important role in the program’s success. Cyrena Carr, a JV runner, explained how she encourages her teammates. “I try to remind the varsity girls that everything will be okay, even if it doesn’t go perfect,” she said. Her favorite phrase is simple: “The world keeps spinning.” That reminder helps calm nerves when pressure builds up before big races. It also shows that everyone on the team has an impact on the team’s success no matter where you stand in speed or rankings.
While the team has their eyes on another state title, the girls know cross country is about more than medals. The sport has taught them how to work hard, support each other, and stay positive through challenges. Carr believes those lessons will stay with her long after high school: “I hope that being positive makes a difference for the girls who come after me,” she said.
Gullickson agrees that what they’ve built is bigger than wins. For her, the relationships and culture are what fuel their success and make them such a well ran program. “We use success as motivation,” she said again, “but it’s really all about being present and in the moment.” Gullickson values her high school experience with cross country and plans to stay involved with the program and give as much support as possible to the team long after high school.
As the state meet draws closer, the Trojans are preparing for the pressure that comes with defending their title. They know other teams are hungry to take them down, but Wayzata has something few can match: a mix of talent, leadership, and unity.
Whether or not they win a fourth straight championship, the Trojans have already shown what makes them special. Their success isn’t just about running fast, it’s about lifting each other up, staying calm under pressure, and remembering that ”The world keeps spinning.”
For the girls of Wayzata Cross Country, every mile is another chance to prove that greatness is about more than trophies. It’s about running together, leading with heart, and leaving behind a legacy that will last long after the finish line.