More Than Second Place: The Bond That Built a State Contender

As I waited for the 4A Girls to crest the first hill at the state championship, I noticed that senior Sydney Kosa had something written on her hand. This isn’t uncommon to see as many will write their mantras, reminders, or encouraging words to help them get through the moment. While I was unable to make out what it was, I could see enough to assume. They had written the names of each other on their hands. Each runner had everyone else’s names on their hands. The thing I love about cross-country is that individuals can perform and succeed, but the sport is about performing as a team. If you need to ask yourself why you put yourself through such pain, just look down at your hand. You are doing it for your team – each other.

Sydney Kosa hugging freshman Eliza Johnson after finishing their race

That bond is the real story of this team. At Olympia’s pre-season time trials, I was scratching my head at all these new faces that were crossing the finish line way ahead of older athletes. The Bears had this incredible field of freshman girls joining the squad. As the season progressed it was clear that the road to Pasco was probable. Leah Hennen stood out to me, besting Kosa at the Fort Steilacoom Invitational and signaling that she is capable of being the Bears' frontrunner.

The 2025 Olympia Bears Girls Varsity Cross-Country Team

On Saturday, that bond was put to the test. The Olympia Bears took to the starting line at the WIAA Cross Country State Championship. Lead by senior Sydney Kosa, she would need to wrangle in the nerves and have her team ready to take on the best in the state. The Bears came into the season off the radar but quickly stormed into focus after their early season performances.

Kosa, who finished fifth at the state championship in 2024, ran a gutsy race. She was able to reel in Latham West near the finish line to grab a low score by securing second place. Not far behind was freshman Leah Hennen, who finished in fourth place and promptly sounded the alarm that she is coming for the crown. Gemma Stevick (freshman) finished in 38th with teammate Carolina Schilter (Junior) crossing the line in 48th. Eliza Johnson (freshman) would finish the scoring for the Bears in 69th. Ava Barr (senior) and Caitlyn Lanese (freshman) would also complete the course, with Lanese getting herself great experience to help build her confidence going into track season.

I had been daydreaming of the Bears heading back to Olympia with a state championship, but they would have to settle for second place. Second place in the state of Washington isn’t to be taken lightly; the competition is thick. To say the coaches, parents, and athletes were proud to call themselves second would be an understatement.

Eliza Johnson looks at me as I raise my camera after she crosses the finish line, exhausted.

After the race, they all gathered amongst the crowds, circled up, waiting for the scores to finalize. I never saw any of them waiver from their celebration and happiness. It was remarkable to see Kosa turning from athlete to athlete to give them a hug and congratulate them. And to see Azalea Barksdale and Lucy Clinton, who were acting as alternates, right there in the mix was so much fun.

I found myself smiling from ear to ear, refreshing my phone in hopes that the scores would shift just a little, but they didn't. 15 points separated first and second.

The Olympia Bears have a special team on their hands, and you can bet they will be hungry come track season. When the 2026 cross-country season rolls around, they are sure to head into the season as favorites or at least one of the top teams in the running.

Sydney Kosa hugs Latham West (Bonney Lake) after a tough 3rd place finish for the senior