With the fall season officially underway, the Middletown High School North Girls Cross Country team enters the 2025 campaign with high expectations and plenty of momentum. Under the leadership of Head Coach Brock Silvestri, the team has been ranked in the preseason top 25 across New Jersey — a testament to both the talent and depth of this year’s squad.

Following a successful 2024 season that saw strong performances across dual meets, invitationals, and postseason competition, the Lions are hungry for more. Their sights are firmly set on a deep run in the NJSIAA State Championship meets, as they look to compete at a consistently high level all season long.

“This group has put in the work over the summer,” said Coach Silvestri. “They’re focused, they’re motivated, and they believe in what we’re building here. I think we’re ready to take that next step.”

The roster is led by a talented core of seniors, including Isabella Courtney, Aveline Zawisny, Mia Zawisny, and Helena Szep — all of whom bring experience and leadership to the team. Juniors Morgan Bixby, Amelia Lanni, and Sam Neilson are expected to play key roles as well, helping solidify a deep and competitive lineup.

Sophomores Grace Best, Mia Martinos, Juliet Mullan, Emily Helwig, Chelsea Pedersen, and Hailey Heckel add a strong supporting cast, while freshmen Emily Truong and Katherine Zavrazhnov represent the promising future of the program.

With a blend of veteran leadership and young talent, the Lions are poised to make noise not just in local competition, but statewide.

Fans can expect to see the team competing in several major invitationals this fall, building toward the Shore Conference Championships, state sectionals, and ultimately, a shot at Group and Meet of Champions glory.

If early training sessions and team chemistry are any indication, Middletown North is ready to run with the best.