After listing the Top 21 California XC teams that you need to watch this season, here are 5 more girls' and boys' teams that you'll need to keep an eye on. Each of these teams has a case for the top 21 but fell just short of making the list. See how they stack up against the best teams in California based on the number of varsity members returning, average 5K time, top returner, and their most notable finish from last season.
Girls Teams
Number of Varsity Returners: 5
Top 5 Returners Avg. 5K Time: 19:04.44
Top Returner: Emma Alba (5K PR- 17:48.10)
Most Notable Finish from 2025: 8th in D1 CIF-SS Finals
Number of Varsity Returners: 7
Top 5 Returners Avg. 5K Time: 18:59.86
Top Returner: Laila Shepard (5K PR- 17:48.10)
Most Notable Finish from 2025: 16th in D1 CIF State XC Championships
Number of Varsity Returners: 6
Top 5 Returners Avg. 5K Time: 19:09.56
Most Notable Finish from 2025: 9th in D1 CIF-SS Finals
Number of Varsity Returners: 7
Top 5 Returners Avg. 5K Time: 19:01.74
Most Notable Finish from 2025: 14th in D2 CIF State XC Championships
Number of Varsity Returners: 7
Top 5 Returners Avg. 5K Time: 19:06.31
Most Notable Finish from 2025: 11th in D3 CIF-SS Finals
Boys Teams
Number of Varsity Returners: 4
Top 5 Returners Avg. 5K Time: 16:10.38
Most Notable Finish from 2025: 9th in D2 CIF State XC Championships
Number of Varsity Returners: 5
Top 5 Returners Avg. 5K Time: 16:14.47
Most Notable Finish from 2025: 2nd in D1 CIF-CS Finals and 18th in D1 CIF State XC Championships
Number of Varsity Returners: 5
Top 5 Returners Avg. 5K Time: 16:16.64
Most Notable Finish from 2025: 11th in D1 CIF State XC Championships
Number of Varsity Returners: 4
Top 5 Returners Avg. 5K Time: 16:13.02
Most Notable Finish from 2025: 3rd in D3 CIF State XC Championships
Number of Varsity Returners: 6
Top 5 Returners Avg. 5K Time: 16:13.00
Most Notable Finish from 2025: 16th in D2 CIF State XC Championships
After listing the Top 21 California XC teams that you need to watch this season, here are 5 more girls' and boys' teams that you'll need to keep an eye on. Each of these teams has a case for the top 21 but fell just short of making the list. See how they stack up against the best teams in California based on the number of varsity members returning, average 5K time, top returner, and their most notable finish from last season.
Girls Teams
Number of Varsity Returners: 5
