Top 21 California Girls XC Teams to Watch In 2026: No. 5-1

Who's Returning: All athletes are returning from last season's extraordinary run to the CIF State XC Championships.

Why Watch?: Sage Creek is developing into a national-caliber team in front of our eyes, and this could be the year they make that jump. The Bobcats' returners have the fifth-fastest average returning 5K time at 18:22, with only one senior on their potential varsity team. The Gladden twins have become the stars of this team after a great freshman season ending with 5:00 and 5:01 personal records in the 1600m. In a competitive Division 4, the simplest way Sage Creek steps up is by everyone getting faster, and about 9-second improvements in the 1600m from Moorea Marchi to 5:20 is exactly what they need across the board. If the Bobcats continue improving at the same rate they did this spring, they have the potential to emerge as one of California's next national-caliber programs.

Who's Returning: Every athlete is returning from their CIF State winning team, which will now include three seniors, three sophomores and one freshman.  

Why Watch?: The El Toro girls are in search of their third consecutive CIF State XC Championship team title, and to finally reach the mountain top of qualifying for Nike Cross Nationals. They are in prime position to make school history this season after experiencing the ups and downs of last season. Last year, El Toro experienced the crushing defeat of 13th at the Clovis Invitational to joyfully hoisting the D3 CIF State XC trophy. That resilience may prove to be their greatest strength entering 2026, beyond any stats, but they also boast the 7th-fastest averages in the 1600m (5:07) and 3200m (11:25) from the track season. For a third straight year, El Toro is in a strong position to be among the best teams in California, and they may be bringing their best team ever to the line.

Who's Returning: Six athletes are returning from last year's CIF State XC Championships team, including only one athlete coming back as a senior.

Why Watch?: After finishing runner-up in Division 3 last season, the St. Francis girls continued to build a team that can challenge anyone in California. Alyssa Gutierrez cemented her status as arguably the best low stick in California after finishing 4th in the CIF State 3200m final as a freshman, and she has even more help this fall. The Troubies are expected to add transfers Ellison Williams (17:52.90 5K) and Giuliana Martino (18:21.70 5K). This is even more firepower to complement a returning lineup that averaged the state's third-fastest 3200m (10:57) and 1600m (5:04) times this spring. It appears St. Francis is assembling one of California's most talented young teams, one capable of competing for state titles and Nike Cross Nationals for years to come.

Potential Varsity Team (Based on Returners 5K PRs)

Who's Returning: Only one athlete is graduating from JSerra Catholic's CIF State XC Championship and Nike Cross Nationals team.   

Why Watch?: Last season, the JSerra Catholic girls won every major team title in California on their way to their 5th consecutive CIF State XC Championships and to qualifying for their 4th consecutive NXN. It may look like they've accomplished everything, but there's still unfinished work for Coach Frazier and the Lions. They still haven't finished better than 13th at NXN, but this season could be the breakthrough they need. Their returners averaged the fastest 1600m time in California this spring at 4:53, with Reese Holley's 4:45 leading the way. These fast times will translate into cross country, so their biggest concern will be controlling the uncontrollable, like injuries. Kaia Streadbeck started the season as the lead runner but her season was cut short; however, it's encouraging to see her run a 4:53 personal record in the 1600m during the spring. For JSerra Catholic, there's still more to fight for this season, so don't expect them to slow down from August to December.

2025 Season: Reigning D1 CIF State XC Champions, Reigning D1 CIF Central Section Champions

Who's Returning: Only one athlete is graduating from Buchanan's CIF State XC Championship and Nike Cross Nationals team.   

Why Watch?: Buchanan won their fourth Division 1 CIF State XC Championship since 2019, but they may be bringing their deepest and most complete lineup yet. The Bears' returners own the fastest 3200m average time at 10:52 with four girls under eleven minutes. After three girls finished 11th place or better last season, it appears four are in shape to accomplish this same feat after Aniston Welk dropped 20 seconds in the 3200m this spring to run 10:58. Among all the history Buchanan has made in recent years, there's still more to do at the national level and improve on their best NXN finish. Buchanan has finished 3rd at NXN twice, and returning most of last year's team could help them break down that barrier.