#20 Westford Academy
Coming in at #20 in our girl’s preseason list is Westford Academy. How can that be? They just graduated two of the programs all-time greats in Abby Hennessy and Emily Wedlake? While they have some work to do to get back their winning ways, the Ghosts are poised for a strong rebuild this year. Leading the way this year will be Diya Shresthra who enters 2026 with a PR of 18:29 and finished 17th at the Division 1A race. Shresthra had a great season on the track running 2:16 for 800m, and ran the same distance on Westford Academy’s runner up DMR at New Balance Nationals.
Joining her are Phoenix Philbrick and Emily Deeks from last season’s squad. Philbrick was 19th at the Division 1A meet last season putting her in prime position to move up the rankings this season. Deeks holds a best of 19:23 from last season’s twilight meet and had a great season on the track, running 5:17 and 2:24. The question the Ghosts face heading into September will be who fills out their remaining scoring spots? Annalise Philpot should have their #4 spot secured. She was part of their varsity squad last season and ran 21:15 at the DCL Championships. On paper the fifth spot should be up for grabs between Amrita Harish and Eliza Owen. Both were just outside the top seven last season and ran 22:38 and 22:48. They’ll need to lower those times and close the gap on Philpot if Westford Academy wants to hold off the other surging teams this season.
Overall Westford Academy is in a great place heading into 2025. Having more of an underdog status will help some of their runners acclimate to new positions in their top 7.
Projected Top 5 (Times via Athletic.net)
Diya Shresthra 18:29
Phoenix Philbrick 19:18
Emily Deeks 19:23
Annalise Philpot 21:15
Amrita Harish 22:39
