Following back-to-back Class 3A state championships and a nearly perfect start to the 2024 season, the Pella girls cross country team has ascended to a new level for the program.

The Dutch girls made an appearance in the DyeStat National Top 40 rankings at No. 38 — a first for the program, with a likely appearance in their individual rankings coming soon for standout Marissa Ferebee, who this season has broken three course records in four races and ran the fastest recorded 5K in state history at Iowa State University.

Senior Raegan Snieder says the ascent to this new level has been a whirlwind, especially after the team missed a state tournament appearance back in 2021.

“I feel so blessed to be on this team, and just to have incredible teammates who are not only pushing me to be a better runner, but a better person.”

Click here for a full interview with Snieder.

The Dutch girls are now overwhelming favorites to make Class 3A’s crown a threepeat and will likely make a push for the lowest-ever score at Lakeside Golf Course in Fort Dodge on November 1st — especially as all seven varsity runners for the green and white are in the IATC individual rankings. That includes the top-ranked Ferebee, No. 3 in 3A Elsie Brenneman, as well as Ruth Dunham (8th), Mara Schiebout (12th), Lizzy Vande Voort (18th), Snieder (21st), and Carleigh Altwine.

Pella will look to beat another crop of strong Class 4A teams next week at the Bud and Bonnie Williams Invitational in Iowa City on Thursday, October 3rd.