Securing their fifth consecutive state title at the GHSA State Championship, the girl’s cross-country team has done it again. Marietta scored 83 points, sitting them comfortably ahead of their competition by 24 points. This remarkable achievement underscores the team’s dominance and consistency in the sport and solidifies its legacy as a powerhouse in Georgia high school athletics. Junior, Mary Nesmith, finished in first place as the 6A girls State Champion after taking the lead at the one-mile mark and stayed ahead the rest of the way, finishing with a time of 18:33.92. This was also a repeat championship for Nesmith, who took the lead early into the competition and finished an incredible 20 seconds before the runner-up, Harrison’s Paige Comstock.
“It was a great feeling and it was so fun to win with my team,” Nesmith said.
Alyssa Trevino finished in sixth place with a time of 19:35.72. Hazel Davis finished in a time of 20:18.20 in 14th place. Abby Jane Gross finished 20:45.77 and secured 27th place overall. Bella Russell finished in a time of 21:22.38 in 45th place. Colette DePasquale finished in a time of 21:51.63 in 61st place. Finally, Mackenzie Willis finished in a time of 23:40.70 in 117th place. Their performances were pivotal in securing the team’s top spot on the podium.
“It was such a special day with the team knowing that we all did our best and were able to pull off the win,” Hazel Davis said.
Led by head coach Jack Coleman, the team has developed a reputation for rigorous training, strategic race planning, and a strong competitive spirit. This year’s victory was particularly impressive, as the Blue Devils faced stiff competition from some of the best teams in the state such as North Gwinnett, Harrison; Walton; among many others. Coach Coleman praised the team’s dedication and resilience.
“The girls enjoy being around each other and they’re very supportive of one another. We had four new competitors who placed at State that have never scored at State before and three of them had never raced at State before,” Coach Coleman said. “It’s a testament to the girls themselves that they were able to pull off the win, considering the challenges we had,” he said.
The Marietta girls cross country team has encouraged excellence throughout the community, not only through their rigorous training regimen but also through their focus on building a strong team dynamic. The runners immensely support one another, creating an environment that fosters personal growth and athletic development. In addition to their state championship, the team had several standout performances throughout the season, consistently placing high in regional meets and invitationals. Their success has been a source of pride for the Marietta High School community, inspiring young athletes to compete and setting a high standard for future teams.
“After losing one of our seniors, Maddie Jones, to an injury, the girls picked up the slack and carried forward for each other to secure a title. It is evident that the Marietta girl’s cross country team outworks every other team in the state,” Coach Coleman said.
The Blue Devils’ victory at the state championship was a fitting end to a season marked by hard work, perseverance, and exceptional talent. As they celebrate their fifth consecutive title, the team is already looking ahead to the future, with many promising underclassmen poised to continue Marietta’s legacy of excellence in cross country. Coach Coleman and his coaching staff are focused on developing the next generation of champions while ensuring that the values of hard work, resilience, and teamwork remain at the forefront.
“There is no doubt that the girls support each other and it’s a great culture, but they also do more training than any other team in the state. We’ve managed to put together five state championships and seven of the last eight state championships as the girls never stopped working,” Coach Coleman said.
These remarkable accomplishments highlight the strength and unity of Marietta’s athletic program, while also highlighting the Coach Coleman’s determination to develop the next generation of champions; ensuring that the values of hard work, resilience, and teamwork remain at the forefront. The Marietta High School girls cross country team is set to remain a dominant force in Georgia high school sports for years to come and the Marietta community is eager to watch all they accomplish. There is a strong group of underclassmen ready to take charge, and as a result the foundation for continued success is firmly in place for next season. Bella Russell, Maddie Jones, and Colette DePasquale have all completed their last high school cross country season, meaning they will not return to the state championship meet in 2025.
However, Coach Coleman and his coaching staff are determined and continue to put relentless effort into developing younger generations with the plan of them becoming the next state champions in the future. They strive to promote and create values that teach team members to effectively push themselves and learn to work well with a team. The Marietta High School girls cross country team is set to remain a dominant force in Georgia high school sports for years to come.
