As the 2026–2027 high school cross country season approaches, the Chiles girls team enters the year with one of the state’s strongest returning groups after winning the 2025 FHSAA Class 3A state championship. The Timberwolves bring back multiple experienced varsity runners who were key contributors throughout last season’s championship run, giving Chiles a strong foundation as they look to contend for another state title. For this preview, Tallahassee Reports has selected its top returning runners from Chiles while also highlighting standout returners from other Leon County programs.
Emma-Claire Tanenbaum, Chiles
Chiles sophomore Emma-Claire Tanenbaum enters the 2026–2027 season after emerging as one of the area’s top runners during an outstanding freshman season. Tanenbaum earned first-place finishes at both the FHSAA 3A District 1 and FHSAA 3A Region 1 meets, setting a personal record of 18:23.13 at the regional championship at New World Golf in Jacksonville. She also led the Timberwolves at the FHSAA 3A State Championships, placing fifth overall with a time of 18:33.70 while helping Chiles capture the team state title. With championship experience already under her belt, Tanenbaum returns as one of the top runners to watch this season.
Kaia Ables, Chiles
Chiles senior Kaia Ables returns for her final high school cross country season after putting together another strong season in 2025. Ables claimed individual victories at the St. JPII Panther Invite and recorded a fifth-place finish at HOKA Nights of Thunder. She also established a personal record of 18:52.30 at the FSU Invitational before finishing 21st at the FHSAA 3A State Championships with a time of 19:23.80. As one of the Timberwolves’ veteran leaders, Ables will once again play a key role as Chiles looks to defend its state championship.
Charlotte Sikes, Chiles
Chiles sophomore Charlotte Sikes heads into the 2026–2027 season after an impressive freshman year that featured four top-10 finishes. Among her best performances were a third-place finish at the St. JPII Panther Invite and a sixth-place finish at HOKA Nights of Thunder. Sikes also recorded a personal-best time of 19:02.13 at the Asics Invitational before contributing to Chiles’ state championship effort with a 34th-place finish at the FHSAA 3A State Championships with a time of 19:44.80. With another year of experience, Sikes has the potential to continue developing into one of the area’s top distance runners.
Chloe Molen, Chiles
Chiles junior Chloe Molen returns after another consistent season in the Timberwolves’ lineup during the 2025 campaign. Molen earned a fourth-place finish at the FHSAA 3A District 1 meet and placed fifth at the St. JPII Panther Invite. She also established a personal record of 19:08.50 at the FSU Invitational before finishing 42nd at the FHSAA 3A State Championships with a time of 19:56.30. With postseason experience and a proven ability to contribute in championship races, Molen will remain an important part of Chiles’ lineup this season.
Madeline Brockmeier, Chiles
Chiles junior Madeline Brockmeier enters the upcoming season after contributing to the Timberwolves’ state championship run in 2025. Brockmeier recorded notable finishes throughout the season, including sixth at the St. JPII Panther Invite and seventh at the FHSAA 3A District 1 meet. She also set a personal record of 19:35.00 at the New World Fall Spectacular before placing 31st at the FHSAA 3A State Championships with a time of 19:40.20. As an experienced returner, Brockmeier is expected to play another important role as Chiles looks to remain among the state’s top cross country programs.
Tatum Hendon, Leon
Leon senior Tatum Hendon enters the 2026–2027 season after showing steady improvement throughout her freshman campaign. Hendon recorded a personal-best time of 20:30.00 at the New World Fall Spectacular, where she finished 22nd in a competitive field. Hendon capped off the year with a 15th-place finish at the FHSAA 3A District 1 meet in 20:54.80 and placed 36th at the FHSAA 3A Region 1 Championships with a time of 20:56.95. With a full varsity season under her belt and continued progression throughout the year, Hendon returns as a runner capable of leading Leon and continuing to climb the local rankings.
Leah Boutwell, Florida High
Florida High senior Leah Boutwell enters the 2026–2027 season after a strong season that saw her qualify for the FHSAA 2A State Championships. Boutwell recorded a season best time of 20:13.19 at the FHSAA 2A Region 1 meet, where she finished 31st to earn a spot at the state meet. She also turned in strong postseason performances by placing fourth at the FHSAA 2A District 1 Championships and fifth at the Suwannee Invitational. Boutwell concluded her season at the FHSAA Cross Country State Finals, finishing 86th with a time of 21:03.40. With state meet experience already under her belt and a season low just over the 20-minute mark, Boutwell returns with a chance of leading Florida High’s lineup this season.
Anniston Willis, Florida High
Florida High sophomore Anniston Willis enters the 2026–2027 season after showing promising results while only competing in a portion of the 2025-2026 season. Willis opened the season by winning the Dolphin Dash Invitational with a time of 20:44.20 and followed that performance with a seventh-place finish at the St. John Paul II Panther Invite, where she posted a personal-best time of 20:40.40. She also competed at HOKA Nights of Thunder, finishing 25th in 21:03.00. Although she was unable to complete the full season, Willis demonstrated the ability to compete near the front of the field early in the year. Willis could play a vital part in helping the Seminoles get back to the state meet and continue their postseason success.
Marguerite Miller, Maclay
Maclay senior Marguerite Miller returns for her final high school cross country season after serving as a consistent contributor throughout the 2025-2026 season. Miller recorded a personal-best time of 21:46.00 at the New World Fall Spectacular and qualified for postseason competition, finishing 31st at the FHSAA 1A District 2 Championships before placing 33rd at the FHSAA 1A Region 1 Championships with a time of 21:58.64. She also turned in a 15th-place finish at the St. John Paul II Panther Invite and competed in several of the state’s top invitationals, including the FSU Invitational and The Southern Showcase. With another year of experience and postseason competition under her belt, Miller will be a key runner for Maclay as the Marauders look to build on last season’s success.
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