After cracking the top 10 at last year’s Missouri Class 5, District 1 championships, the Lindbergh girls country team is focused on improving on last season’s performance.

“It looks like we’re going to have a good number this year,” Lindbergh head coach Brian Hilton said. “The varsity looks great with four returning starters from our district team.”

Bea Smith took 40th overall at last year’s district championships

“Bea is one of those kids that has been on the varsity since her freshman year,” Hilton said. “She’s a positive kid that’s always able to keep a consistent and positive attitude for the team.”

Hilton is also looking for a solid senior season from Cristina Soto.

“Cristina really dedicated herself and ran summer track, and she’s been looking good in our time trials,” Hilton said. She’s probably the fastest kid on the team right now.”

Sophomore Maggie Finn is a dual sport athlete who also plays for the soccer team. Last season, she took 74th at district.

“Maggie was fourth at districts … last year,” Hilton said. “She’s a soccer player, so she’s our only runner that doesn’t do track. She always has a great attitude.”

Right behind Finn was sophomore Kelly Forbes, who took 75th overall at districts.

“Kelly is a three-sport athlete and the third Forbes to run track at Lindbergh,” Hilton said. “She runs hard and is a tough kid that’s internally motivated.”

Two other important sophomores will be Lexi Peterson and Jessica Wang.

“Lexi is consistently one of our top runners on varsity as a freshman, and I expect her to continue to grow,” Hilton said. “Jessica is a swimmer that also runs … cross country and I’m excited to see what they both can accomplish.”

Other seniors are Ava Banning, Neyla Terzic, Alex Bleich, Jenna Brinkman, Sarah Grayson, Rosie Grebe, Jenny Kelley, Evie Marsek, Ella Meyer, Gracie Muylvaney and Kathryn Ritter.