Despite missing most of the 2024 Cross-Country season, all eyes will be on Abigail Hennessy of Westford Academy this fall. After a historic 2025 track season that saw a new state record in the mile, Hennessy will look to leave her mark on the Cross-Country course as well.
So where does the Westford Academy Senior stand heading into the fall? On the track, her specialty is more middle distance, with PRS of 2:07 and 4:34. So how does that translate to Cross-Country? That’s tough to answer, and a challenge coaches face at every level. Last spring she ran 11:01 for Two Miles in a dual meet and also won the Ocean State Invitational in 17:59 before shutting it down last fall. Based off that, it’s fair to put her as the favorite heading into this season alongside Needham’s Greta Hammer. A battle between the two would be a perfect mix of strength versus speed.
Like some of the other athletes we’re highlighting, Hennessy’s schedule may have been altered due to the abrupt end of the Foot Locker Championships. (A situation we’re still monitoring) After achieving All-American status at New Balance Nationals in the spring, she’ll likely look to duplicate the process this fall. After signing an NIL deal with New Balance, that could lead her toward the RunningLane Championships sponsored by New Balance.
Hennessy also has the team aspect as well. Westford Academy are the defending champs and return a talented team. We currently have them ranked 3rd on our preseason list. An individual title would help when it come’s time to tally the scores at Fort Devens. Not to mention she’s also continuing an unprecedented run of success from Westford Academy. Between Hennessy, Paul Bergeron, and Jack Graffeo, they’ve produced three of the best runners in Massachusetts history. Which only makes it more exciting as we wait to see what she’ll do as an encore this season.
