Student Leadership Academy

Welcome to SLA Cross Country!

The Student Leadership Academy (SLA) Cross Country program is open to middle school students interested in developing as runners, teammates, and leaders. Whether you're new to running or have previous experience, our program emphasizes long-term growth through consistent effort, positive team culture, and intentional athlete development.

Our goal is to help every athlete build confidence, develop healthy training habits, and discover what they can accomplish - both on and off the course.

Parent Information Zoom: Parents and guardians of athletes registered for the 2026 season are encouraged to attend the upcoming virtual Parent Information Zoom.

Zoom Date: Thursday, September 17 | 7:00-7:45 PM

During the meeting, we'll discuss the official season structure, practice and meet expectations, the Assessment Period, team communication, and parent questions.

Official SLA Cross Country practices begin Monday, September 21.

Preseason Training - September 21, 23, and 24 | Time: 2:30-4:00 PM

The first three official practices serve as the team's preseason period and help athletes transition into structured Cross Country training before assessments and competition begin.

These practices will introduce and reinforce team expectations, running fundamentals, pacing awareness, healthy training habits, and team rhythm while allowing athletes to begin building fitness and confidence.

Preseason practices are not tryouts, and athletes are not cut based on running ability or performance. Athletes are expected to meet team standards for attendance, effort, behavior, and coachability.

Athletes should attend consistently and come prepared with running shoes, athletic clothes, a small towel, and a full water bottle.

Assessment Period - Practice Dates: September 28 and 30; October 1 | Time: 2:30-4:00 PM

SLA Cross Country does not conduct a traditional one-day tryout. Instead, coaches evaluate athletes across multiple practices to establish an initial baseline and better understand each athlete's readiness as the team prepares for competition.

During the Assessment Period, athletes will participate in team training and running assessments while coaches observe factors including effort, consistency, coachability, pacing, fitness, and overall readiness.

The purpose of the Assessment Period is not to determine who makes the team. Instead, the information helps coaches individualize instruction, establish appropriate training groups, and make initial decisions about meet opportunities.

Placement is never permanent. Every athlete will continue to have opportunities to demonstrate growth and readiness throughout the season through consistent effort, preparation, and coachability.

Competition Phase - Begins Monday, October 5

Following the Assessment Period, athletes transition into the Competition Phase of the season.

Practices are generally held from 2:30-4:00 PM on scheduled practice days. Because the weekly schedule varies around meets, families should refer to the 2026 SLA Cross Country Season Schedule and BAND for specific practice and meet dates.

• Practice updates
• Meet reminders
• Schedule changes
• Weather notifications
• Team announcements
• Photos and celebrations