A XC HIGHLIGHT

Alison “Ali” Seidl is a sophomore at Clear Creek Amana High School. She joined the cross country (XC) team in 7th grade because that is when you can typically join, as it is not a club sport. 

Ali Seidl, spotlight for this year’s cross-country team. Photo by Kailee Carver.

Seidl’s biggest struggle with cross country is having trust in her training; “I really struggle with doubt and end up intimidating myself,” said Seidl in an interview on September 10th, 2026. Even though Seidl struggles with doubt, she still finds a way to push past it with the help of her friends and trying her best. Seidl spoke of another struggle the whole XC team is having with all of the upcoming freshman runners joining, the runners on varsity, and the few returning past runners. Everyone is trying to be the leaders they wish they had as freshmen and want to shift the culture of the team; not just for returning runners, but for all of the girls coming up, too. One of Seidl’s biggest accomplishments is how big of a positive impact she's had on so many people with her passion for her sport. 

Seidl’s last season was rough for her and she wishes she could be more proud of herself for it, but her struggles were learning experiences that helped springboard her into a great track season. She's excited for this coming cross country season and for all of the ones to come for her and the team.