Wawasee High School

Lady Warriors Open Season with Dominant Win on New Home Course The Lady Warriors kicked off their 2025 season in style, capturing a commanding team victory at the First Annual Dave Stookey Invitational on their brand-new home course. The atmosphere was electric, with fans, alumni, community members, and families filling the course to cheer on the Warriors in this special debut event. From the opening gun, the Warriors ran with focus and determination. As the race unfolded, you could see them steadily moving up through the field, and by the finish, all seven varsity girls placed in the top 16—a remarkable way to open the season. Leading the way was senior Mia Hodgson, followed by sophomore Bailyn Likens, who impressed in her first-ever cross country race with a 4th-place overall finish. Right behind her came sophomore Leah Hurst, showing poise and strength. Finley Brady ran lights-out with a new personal best, while Sophie Hunter finished her first high school 5K in style. Senior Heatherlynn Holder dropped over 45 seconds for a huge PR, and newcomer Sophia Smith, who joined the team as a senior, ran an outstanding debut race. The meet also served as a chance to celebrate an incredible group of seniors: Mia Hodgson, Heatherlynn Holder, Sophia Smith, along with foreign exchange students Elisa De Ro and Valerie Born. Running their senior morning on a brand-new course—and coming away with plenty of hardware—made the day especially meaningful. This performance sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting season ahead. The Warriors showed that when they focus, race outside their comfort zone, and commit to a team-first mentality, big things can happen. Looking ahead, the Warriors will continue to build on their training and mileage as they prepare for upcoming competitions. Next up: a 4K at the DeKalb Invitational on Tuesday, August 19, followed by the Elkhart Christian Hokem Karem on Saturday at its new location, The Lodge in Syracuse. Fans are encouraged to come out and cheer—the girls race starts at 9:00, the boys at 9:50, and the JV combined race at 10:40. Go Warriors! Go Go Go!