XC at Fontbonne Hall: My First and Last Season

Molly Fox '26

Fontbonne’s Cross Country season officially came to a close on November 15th, marking the end of a fourteen-week journey of growth, in terms of strength and the bond between teammates. Under the leadership of Coach Loftus, the nine-person team proudly advanced to the championship – an achievement built on months of dedication and hard work.

Practices were held every Tuesday and Thursday, where runners pushed through warm-ups, long runs, and conditioning drills that gradually transformed the team’s stamina and confidence. Over the weeks, each runner managed to cut minutes off our personal times, proving that practice pays off.

The team’s dynamic was special, featuring two seniors whose leadership shaped the season both on and off the course. In appreciation, the team crafted a heartfelt poster for our seniors’ final meet – a reminder of how deeply the team cares for each other.

The season was also defined by individual milestones, as most cross country teams are. Your biggest competition is yourself in this sport. Adrianna Mckinney made a triumphant return mid-season after recovering from an injury, quickly regaining her stride and contributing to the team’s momentum. Bella, in her second year on the team, demonstrated remarkable dedication and consistency from start to finish. For the freshmen, this marked their first time trying the sport, and they embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and resilience. As for myself, Molly Fox, running Cross Country for the first time as well, finished last in every meet, but showed some of the strongest perseverance on the team by improving my times week after week. I can confidently say that joining the cross-country team for the first time in my senior year has to be one of the best decisions I have made. I found such joy in becoming a friend and mentor to these girls, whom I have grown quite fond of. Whether it was running after school along Shore Road, taking naps in the van after a meet, or cheering proudly for each other while we waited at the finish line, this team reinforced why I came to Fontbonne: the sisterhood. No, I do not think any of us will be recruited to run in the Olympics, especially me, but it continuously reminded me of the importance of dedication, perseverance, physical fitness, and the beauty that comes from trying new things.

Across five competitive meets—including the Xavier Invitational in Staten Island and the CHSAA Championship at Cortland Park in the Bronx—the team faced tough courses, unpredictable weather, and intense competition. Yet at every race, we showed up for one another, celebrated each other’s victories, and learned from every challenge.

As the season ends, the Fontbonne community celebrates a team that didn’t just compete, but one that grew, bonded, and represented our school with pride. This year’s Cross Country season may be over, but the memories, lessons, and friendships built along the way will continue to carry us, runners, forward.