The Tide Rises
In Portland

Lil Desler broke the tape with a contagious smile that seemed to last forever. It was 2024, and the then-sophomore had just been crowned the 2A Girls Individual State Champion, leading Sehome to a team title in the process.

The photos I captured that day became some of my favorites, but I rarely saw the Mariners compete, and it would be another year before I caught them in a cross-country race again. However, I started paying close attention during the track season. I noticed immediately how competitive they were; this was clearly a solid group of elite runners.

I found myself enamored with their dominance within the league and how they stacked up against the rest of the 2A girls. I asked myself early on if this team could break through to the national stage. They answered that question soundly at NXR Northwest, winning the championship and punching their ticket to Portland.

The Sehome girls are a special bunch, and that starts from the top down. Coach Kevin Ryan has built a force. It is clear from the results that he is pushing all the right buttons. Nestled at the foot of the Chuckanut Mountains in Bellingham, the Mariners hone their speed on incredible trails and tough terrain—a perfect training ground for a championship team.

That investment has created a culture that senior Johnny Eggert describes as "hype but focused."

"We come to practice everyday with so much energy, excited to run and be together," Eggert said. "We also have a focus though like non-other; we lock-in so we are ready for upcoming workouts and races."

That balance of energy and focus is evident in how the team operates as a pack. While they are fiercely competitive—junior Lil Desler admits the environment can be stressful "because we all want to do our best"—they have learned to leverage that internal competition.

"During a race, when Sloane [Clines] or Kjirsten [Ludeman] takes control and pushes pace, I know they are making me a better runner for it," Desler said.

The roster is a mix of personalities that seem to perfectly counterbalance one another. There is Kjirsten Ludeman, the low stick who finished 2nd at State, who Eggert says brings a "super calm, laid-back energy" that anchors the team. Then there is Sloane Clines, the speedster with the deadly kick, who Eggert describes as "the epitome of a team player," using her speed to pull teammates along in workouts rather than drop them.

Holding the middle is Samantha Knipp, whose consistency relieves the pressure on everyone else. "The beauty of our team being so deep is that we can pick each other up when any one of us is having a bad day," Eggert noted. And then there is the future: freshman Paige Ricks, who has handled the varsity spotlight with a maturity that impressed her captains. "She handles her nerves with grace and puts her best foot forward during every race," Eggert added.

This collective resilience was on full display at NXR Northwest in Spokane. Facing the best teams in the region, Sehome didn't just survive; they thrived. With Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) looming at Glendoveer Golf Course—a venue famous for its mud and rolling hills—the Mariners seem uniquely suited for the challenge. While some teams dread the conditions, Sehome embraces the grit.

"Personally, I really enjoy it when there are tough conditions," Desler said. "There is nothing I can do to change the weather so why not smile and enjoy it?! Plus, I always love looking back at pictures after a muddy race, it makes it seem like true cross country."

Next stop: Portland. The Tide is rising.

From the Chuckanut trails to the podium in Spokane, the Mariners have forged a toughness that reflects their training grounds.