Coach Boyd Builds More Than Runners at Ste. Genevieve Cross Country

story written by Kylor Plunk

editor Joshua Banks

Coach Boyd is entering her eighth year leading the Ste. Genevieve girls’ and boys’ cross country teams, and over that time, she’s built her program around one core principle: fostering a positive team culture where athletes feel supported, motivated, and proud to be part of something bigger than themselves.

For Boyd, cross country is about much more than miles and races. She sees it as a vehicle for teaching resilience, confidence, and perseverance—skills that stay with athletes long after high school. Her philosophy is simple: work hard, stay positive, and keep growing—not just as runners, but as people.

Yet it’s the daily moments that energize her most: building strong bonds with her athletes, sharing laughs in practice, and creating an environment where they genuinely want to be. “Communication and relationships are the foundation of a successful team,” Boyd says. “Trust, respect, and encouragement allow the group to grow together and help each individual thrive.”

This season, both teams bring a mix of experience and fresh energy. The boys’ squad features three seniors—Gavin Gegg, Gavin Zerwig, and Triston Keith—along with returning juniors Simon Fritsch and Garret Gallup. Several underclassmen have also joined, and Boyd is confident they’ll push each other to reach their full potential.

The girls’ team may be smaller, but they’re determined. Juniors Hailey Wells and Laurie Faulkner lead the way, joined by sophomores Ashlyn Wezner and Hailey Davis, and freshmen Reha Myeyer and Sydney Nesslein. Despite their youth, Boyd sees plenty of promise and drive.

With a strong start to the season, optimism is high. Boyd hopes the boys qualify as a team for the state meet and believes several of her girls have the potential to earn individual state berths.

“Cross country is about so much more than racing,” Boyd says. “It’s about building character, supporting one another, and pushing yourself further than you thought possible. If we do those things, the results will follow.”