Cool fall weather greeted runners in Georgetown on October 17 as the Aristoi Classical Academy Varsity Girls Cross Country team took the starting line at the Texas Charter School Academic & Athletic League (TCSAAL) State Cross Country Championship. By the end of the two-mile race, the Griffins had turned a year of persistence and determination into a state title.

After finishing third at the 2025 state championship, Aristoi returned this season determined to build on that success. The team entered the state meet ranked fourth among 12 teams but finished at the top of the field, earning the championship with 59 team points, 13 points ahead of second-place BASIS Shavano.

“I think they had a vision; they had a purpose for this race,” said Aristoi Athletic Director Terry Boling. “I think when that's your objective, and character is first, then I think good things happen.”

Tenth-grader Leslie Hirst was the first Aristoi runner across the finish line, completing the course in 12:39. She was followed by sophomore Mia Moore at 13:00, freshman Sydney Tettleton at 13:17, junior Sarah Lajaunie at 13:19, junior Samuela Williams at 14:10, senior Emma Clark at 14:24, and senior Olivia Spellman at 14:33.

Perhaps one of the most impressive accomplishments of the day was that all seven Aristoi runners recorded personal-best times at the state meet.

For Clark and Spellman, the championship provided a memorable ending to their high school cross country careers. The two seniors finished strong with times of 14:24 and 14:33, respectively.

Head Coach Marisa Madison De La Rosa, who has led the Aristoi cross country program for six years, has emphasized throughout the season that success is about more than a finishing time or placement. She encourages her athletes to compete with purpose, support one another, and allow the lessons learned through the sport to shape who they become.

“Do it for the love of what you're doing. Do it for the love of your team, and whatever happens, happens,” De La Rosa told the team.

That philosophy paid off in Georgetown, as a group that earned Aristoi Cross Country’s first state podium finish just one year ago took the next step and returned home as 2026 State Champions. The team celebrated by going to Freddy’s and enjoying a well-deserved milkshake.

“The girls were so incredibly disciplined in their eating habits during the season. The one thing they kept saying was how much they were looking forward to having a milkshake,” said Coach De La Rosa.

The victory marks another milestone for Aristoi Athletics and reflects the continued growth of a program built on perseverance, teamwork, character, and a commitment to excellence.

About Aristoi Classical Academy

Aristoi Classical Academy is a tuition-free public charter school serving students in the greater Houston area. Through a classical education rooted in the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty, Aristoi seeks to cultivate knowledgeable, virtuous citizens prepared to lead and serve their communities. For more information about Aristoi Classical Academy, visit aristoiclassical.org.