If there was one way to describe the 2025 Lindbergh girls cross country team, it would have to be controlled enthusiasm.
The Flyers return a plethora of runners this season after taking 10th place at last year’s Missouri Class 5 District 1 championships. That alone leaves head coach Brian Hilton cautiously optimistic.
“The one thing I know is that our goal each year is to create an environment where the girls can challenge themselves,” Hilton said. “It’s a talented crew, and I think the leadership on this year’s squad is something that I really love to see.”
One runner to watch throughout the 2025 season is senior Evelyn Pyle. Last year, Pyle placed 42nd overall at the district championships and also had a successful track season.
“Evelyn’s come a long way,” Hilton said. “She qualified for sectionals during track in the two-mile run and kept bringing her time down over the entire season. I’d be very surprised if she wasn’t one of our top runners again this season.”
Another runner to keep an eye on is senior Ayame Anderson. In 2024, Anderson took 69th at the district championships and is too coming off a successful track season.
“She’s a competitive cross country runner who made a big jump in the 800 last year in track,” Hilton said. “I’ve seen a lot of growth in her confidence, and she knows that she can go out there and run fast. If she keeps that confidence going, I think she’s going to have a really good year.”
Seniors Beatrice Smith and Abigail Phifer are two more runners who will be consistent performers in the Flyers’ starting lineup. Junior Maggie Finn, along with Alexis Peterson, ran in last year’s district championships and are expected to be a part of the Flyers’ lineup this season as well.
Other runners to watch this season are juniors Kelly Forbes and Rebecca Thomas, along with sophomore Laura Buckley.
“Both Kelly and Rebecca are a big part of that leadership group on this year’s team,” Hilton said. “Laura came on strong at the end of last year, and we’re really looking forward to seeing what she can do this year.”
The Flyers start the 2025 campaign at the Fort Zumwalt North Twilight Meet on Aug. 29.