From First-Time Runner to District Champion: Gianna's Incredible Journey to the PIAA State Championships
By: SportzWire | SportzWire | November 5, 2026 | Photo courtesy Sportzwire
In her first season of cross country, sophomore Gianna turned a decision to try something new into a championship season, capturing the District 2 Class A individual title with a time of 20:26.90 and earning a trip to the PIAA State Championships.
Sometimes the greatest accomplishments begin with simply being willing to try something new.
For sophomore Gianna, what started as an opportunity to have fun with friends and improve her performance in track and field quickly transformed into something much bigger. In her very first season competing in cross country, Gianna went from a newcomer to a District 2 Class A individual champion, crossing the finish line in an impressive 20:26.90 and punching her ticket to the PIAA State Championships on Saturday, November 7.It's the kind of breakthrough season most young athletes dream about, but Gianna will be the first to tell you that she never entered the season expecting any of it.
"I really just kind of went out thinking it'd be something fun to do with friends, something to help me benefit for track," Gianna explained. "It really ended up just being something that I really loved and really wanted to work my hardest at."
And work hard she certainly did.
A decision that changed everything
Gianna's athletic journey began long before she ever stepped onto a cross country course. After spending years playing soccer, she discovered track and field in seventh grade. Running was something she had always enjoyed, and as she looked toward the upcoming fall season, she saw cross country as an opportunity to take her training to another level.What she didn't realize at the time was just how much the decision would change her athletic journey.The transition from the controlled surface of a track to the unpredictable terrain of cross country brought an entirely new set of challenges. Every course presented a different test, with hills, changing terrain, and conditions that demanded both physical endurance and mental toughness.There were also questions about where she would fit among experienced runners.
Her first taste of competitive distance running came during a Fourth of July 5K road race, Bernie’s for the 5K, alongside teammates Adele Deemer and Leah Smith. It was a learning experience that helped her recognize just how challenging the sport could be.
"It was rough my first-ever race," Gianna admitted.
But rather than allowing that experience to discourage her, she used it as motivation.
"I think really just worrying about yourself and not trying to worry about everyone around you and pushing yourself to do your best really helps with that."
That mindset would become one of the defining characteristics of her season.
The work behind the championship
While the spotlight shines on her first-place finish at districts, the foundation for Gianna's success was built long before championship day. Taking her development seriously, she committed herself to offseason training and worked closely with trainer Mark Serafin, of Serafin Sports Training, whose influence has extended well beyond the running course. Gianna credits Seafin with helping her take her athletic abilities to another level while also playing an important role in her personal growth.
"He has really helped me step it up to the next level. He's become like family to us. I mean, honestly, I don't know where I would be without him," she said. "I really think he's had a huge part in my successes."
She was also quick to recognize the people surrounding her throughout her athletic journey, including Coach Adam, Coach Ethan, Coach Bill, and Coach Maura. It's a reminder that while Gianna may be the one crossing the finish line, her success has been supported by a network of people who have invested in her development. The offseason miles, demanding workouts, guidance from her trainer, and commitment to improving all came together when it mattered most. At the District 2 Class A Championship, Gianna delivered the performance of her young cross country career, earning the individual championship in 20:26.90. For a sophomore competing in her first year of cross country, the accomplishment speaks volumes about her determination, preparation, and willingness to embrace a new challenge.
More than a team. A family.
As special as her individual championship has been, Gianna's story would be incomplete without discussing the team surrounding her. In fact, one of the most memorable parts of her interview wasn't about winning districts or qualifying for states. It was how passionately she spoke about her teammates.
The entire girls team qualified for the state championship, along with three boys, bringing the school's total delegation to 10 athletes heading to Pennsylvania's biggest stage. Although the girls finished as district runners-up to Old Forge, Gianna was quick to recognize and congratulate their accomplishment, particularly as Old Forge celebrated a historic first district championship in school history. That response says a great deal about her character. Rather than focusing solely on individual accomplishments, Gianna consistently brings the conversation back to the people around her.
"Our team is so much like a family," she explained. "We really look out for each other, and it's not just being there for each other with the highs and winning. It's being there for each other with the lows as well."
She described a team that pushes one another through difficult workouts, encourages each other during challenging days, and understands the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. For Gianna, the team atmosphere has become one of the biggest reasons she has fallen in love with cross country.
"We really just don't race for ourselves, we race for each other," she said. "We've built such a strong community where we're all like such a family."
It's that sense of togetherness that makes the upcoming state championship even more special. While one runner may earn an individual title, the experience of reaching states together is something the entire team can celebrate.
Faith, family, and keeping everything in perspective
Away from the running course, Gianna's foundation is built on family and faith. As the middle child in her family, she has learned the importance of understanding her place among those closest to her, while continuing to grow into her own person and pursue her goals. Her relationship with God is also central to the way she approaches both competition and everyday life. She spoke about the conversations she shares with her mother and the mindset they have developed together: shoot for the stars, work hard, and trust God with the outcome.
"My mom and I always talk, and we're always like, obviously you want to shoot for the stars and wherever you land, that's perfect," Gianna said.
She carries that perspective into every race. Before competing, Gianna makes it a point to say a prayer. It's a moment that allows her to settle her mind, release the pressure, and remember that running is a gift.
"Every race I say a prayer before I run," she explained. "I really think just keeping a good mindset that God's in control and whatever happens is meant to happen."
She also recognizes that not every race will go according to plan.
"Not every race is gonna be a good race, but at the end of the day, God woke you up and gave you the ability to run, and that's just amazing all in its own."
It's a powerful perspective for a young athlete competing at such a high level. Rather than allowing the pressure of expectations to define her, she focuses on gratitude, preparation, and trusting the journey.
Her final message during the interview captured that faith perfectly.
"Anything's possible with God."
The next chapter: States
Now, a season that began with a simple desire to improve for track has brought Gianna to a stage she once never imagined reaching. As she prepares for the PIAA State Championships at Big Spring High School on Saturday, November 7, she understands the significance of the opportunity. However, she isn't allowing the magnitude of the event to overwhelm her. Her approach remains remarkably grounded.
"It's just another meet," she explained. "I mean, we've ran a ton of meets this season. You're running against amazing athletes no matter where you are, and I think you have to treat it as that."
She knows the importance of trusting her preparation, understanding the course, and remembering everything that went into earning the opportunity to compete at states. Her experience throughout the season has taught her that cross country requires more than just speed. It takes patience, mental toughness, adaptability, and the ability to remain focused when the race becomes difficult. Most importantly, she knows she doesn't have to take the journey alone. She'll be surrounded by teammates who have become family, coaches who have guided her development, a trainer who has invested in her success, and loved ones who have supported her every step of the way. When asked what she would say to the athletes preparing to compete at states, Gianna offered a message that perfectly reflects the person she has become throughout this season.
"I'm so proud of everyone and how far you've came. You really just have to trust all your hard work you've done this season, and this is the time, be excited, you get to show off all the work you've done all season and in the summer training leading up to it."
Then she left everyone with one final reminder:
"Everyone, you're all gonna do great, and Jesus loves you."
A champion today, with an even brighter tomorrow
For Gianna, this season is not the finish line. It's the beginning. As a sophomore with two more years of high school competition ahead, she understands there is still plenty of room to grow. When asked what she would tell her seventh-grade self if she could look back at the journey, her answer was filled with gratitude. She believes that younger version of herself would be proud to see how far her hard work has taken her and she isn't done dreaming. Her first year of cross country has already delivered a District 2 championship, a time of 20:26.90, and a state championship berth. But perhaps the greatest accomplishment is the example she has set: that success isn't always about being the fastest person in the room when you begin. Sometimes, it's about having the courage to start, the discipline to keep going, and the faith to believe that something special is possible. Gianna may have started this journey simply looking for a way to improve her track season and spend time with friends. She ends it as a district champion and a PIAA state qualifier. If her first season is any indication of what's ahead, this is only the beginning of her story.
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