The Journey to Compete: Wayzata XC Club’s Path to Glory

#TheJourneytoCompete chronicles the incredible story of the Wayzata XC Club and their remarkable journey to clinch gold at the 2026 NIKE Cross Country Nationals, held on December 6, 2026. In Episode 3 of this inspiring series presented by RunBlogRun and NIKE, we delve into the experiences of the Wayzata Girls XC Team, featuring insights from head coach Kalsey Beach and standout athletes Maddie Gullickson and Jazleen Malherek-Osorio.

The Road to Success

What’s the secret behind the Wayzata XC Club’s success? How does a Minnesota school, renowned for its cross-country accomplishments, emerge as the best girls’ high school team in the nation? Conversations with Coach Kalsey Beach and team members reveal that the formula for success rests on dedication, hard work, and an unwavering focus on their goals.

Team Culture and Hard Work

At the core of Wayzata’s success is a cultivated team culture. The athletes are not just runners; they are part of a family. Coach Beach emphasizes that building trust and camaraderie among team members fosters resilience. This teamwork was invaluable when faced with unexpected challenges during the season. For instance, one athlete suffered exhaustion near the finish line but was supported wholeheartedly by her teammates, highlighting the importance of mental strength alongside physical training.

Highlights of the Journey

Taking the podium at Glendoveer Golf Course, the traditional venue for the NIKE Cross Nationals, required more than just athletic prowess—it demanded a collective effort and unyielding spirit. The girls’ season was marked not only by new personal bests but also by the kind of perseverance that solidified their place as champions.

Maddie Gullickson’s Perspective

For Maddie Gullickson, each race was a step closer to personal improvement. As she shared during the interview, the thrill of placing higher each week was energizing. Every mile run and early morning practice reinforced the belief that hard work would pay off.

Jazleen Malherek-Osorio’s Journey

Jazleen Malherek-Osorio similarly reflected on the grueling training schedules and the relationship dynamics within the team. She remarked on how empathy among teammates heightened their collective performance. Knowing that they had each other’s backs instilled a sense of confidence and determination.

The Role of Coaches

The guidance of Coach Kalsey Beach cannot be overlooked. Her strategic approach to training and competition prepared the girls not only physically but mentally. By focusing on both individual growth and team achievements, Coach Beach has built a powerhouse program that nurtures athletes to excel beyond their expectations.

Overcoming Obstacles

The thematic essence of The Journey to Compete is about overcoming adversity. Through their candid discussions, Wayzata’s athletes illustrated that success doesn’t come without setbacks. Learning to cope with the highs and lows of competition serves as a vital lesson for aspiring runners.

An incident where an athlete collapsed from exhaustion during a critical race underscores the unpredictability of sports. Yet, the Wayzata team responded with unwavering resolve, demonstrating that each race tells a story of endurance, persistence, and collective spirit.

Celebrating Team Achievements

The accolades and successes at the nationals are reflections of all the hard work put in by every member of the Wayzata XC Club. The gold medal win is not just a testament to their physical capabilities but also a celebration of the culture they have built—a culture rooted in support, resilience, and determination.

Final Thoughts

The inspiring journey of the Wayzata XC Club serves as a reminder that while talent is essential, it’s the grit, dedication, and teamwork that ultimately lead to victory. The stories shared by Coach Beach, Maddie, and Jazleen highlight that the path to success is a marathon, not a sprint, enriched with lessons that extend far beyond the cross-country course.

Through perseverance and collective effort, the Wayzata XC Club stands as a beacon of excellence in high school athletics, showcasing what’s possible when ambition meets hard work. The future remains bright for these athletes, who embody the true spirit of competition and camaraderie.

Congratulations to the Wayzata XC Club!