LCA athlete Named 2025–26 NCSAA Girls’ Varsity Cross Country National Athlete of the Year

LCA athlete Named 2025–26 NCSAA Girls’ Varsity Cross Country National Athlete of the Year

Watch Kennedy's Interview Here. 

Jan 26, 2026

Jan 26, 2026 - Sophomore Kennedy Moughamian has been named 2025–26 NCSAA Girls’ Varsity Cross Country National Athlete of the Year.

The news came to Kennedy as quite the surprise, and she calls it a reflection of her coaches, teammates, family, and school’s support system.

This is one of the most prestigious honors in high school athletics. The recognition places Kennedy among the top student‑athletes in the nation and highlights her remarkable dedication to both her sport and her school community. For Kennedy, this passion for running began at a young age.

“I actually started running when I was in 3rd grade. I wasn’t seeing a lot of success and really wanted to give up.”

That’s not where the story ended, and Kennedy says her perseverance goes back to her dedicated support system.

“My mom ended up encouraging me to just keep going. I’ve learned that success in this sport comes through a lot of patience and perseverance, and working hard even when no one is watching.”

During the 2024–25 season, Kennedy delivered an extraordinary performance, including an NCSAA‑best time of 17:53 in the 5000 meters, cementing her status as one of the fastest and most consistent runners in the country. Her competitive achievements build on a growing legacy that is already redefining what is possible in LCA distance running. Even as a sophomore, Kennedy is already thinking about how she can inspire the next generation of student‑athletes.

“For the younger athletes at LCA, I would say keep working hard and trust in the Lord’s plan for you. You need to train hard and eat the right things. Do all of those things, but at the end of the day, just have faith in the Lord.”

Kennedy embodies the heart of LCA athletics: excellence rooted in character, a commitment to growth, and a genuine desire to uplift others. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and excited to watch her continue to shine in the seasons ahead.

Congratulations, Kennedy, on this exceptional national honor! Your LCA family is cheering you on every step of the way.