Mehlville’s girls cross country team is hoping that an increase in numbers and an injury-free season will be the elements needed for a successful 2026 campaign.

“We’re up to 10 girls on the roster with three of them being seniors and two of them are returning from last year’s team,” Mehlville head coach Stephanie Guliano said. “The key for us is keeping these girls healthy all season.”

Senior Ava Reifschneider returns as the team’s top runner after placing 62nd at last year’s district championships.

“I’m expecting Ava to have a phenomenal year,” Guliano said. “Mentally, she’s very focused and I’m really looking forward to seeing how well she does.”

Another senior to watch in 2026 is Tianna Phan, who was a member of the Panthers’ squad that competed at the district championships.

“Tianna’s gotten better every year, and she comes into the season very well prepared,” Guliano said. “She’s developed herself into a very strong runner.”

Junior Marissa Mujic spends time with the Panthers girls soccer team in the Mehlville lineup.

“I believe that Marissa’s going to be outstanding this year,” Guliano said. “She’s a soccer player that’s consistently gotten better as the season went on.”

Melanie Barker is a junior who’s in her second season with the Panthers.

“Melanie is a second year runner who runs with a lot of confidence,” Guliano said. “She was real consistent and saw a tremendous amount of growth.”

Senior Gemma Meyer joins the Panthers for her first season with the cross country team.

“Gemma is new to the team,” Guliano said. “So it’s going to take her a bit to build that base up.”

The Panthers start their 2026 season on Sept. 4 at the Saint Charles First Capital Invitational.