Layla Ward
Favorite book? That’s so hard because I have so many favorites, but I’m going with Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid!
Race you are most proud of? Mt. SAC 2025 because even though I didn’t feel amazing, I ran with my teammate and we pulled through together. Maybe not the best race time-wise, but practicing mental strength and sticking with my training partner through it all was memorable.
Favorite book? That’s so hard because I have so many favorites, but I’m going with Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid!
Race you are most proud of? Mt. SAC 2025 because even though I didn’t feel amazing, I ran with my teammate and we pulled through together. Maybe not the best race time-wise, but practicing mental strength and sticking with my training partner through it all was memorable.
Favorite quote? “The way we choose to see the world creates the world we see.” –Barry Neil Kaufman
When did you start running, and what got you interested in running? I have always loved to run, but it was watching the 2012 Olympics that makde me want to sign up for track! Of course, I was too young at that point, but I started at 5 or 6 and never looked back. I started competing seriously later, but originally it was just something I enjoyed!
Why did you choose to pursue team leadership with TOXC? I’m usually drawn to leadership and helping others come together, so it was natural for me to think about being in a leadership position on this team. I love being able to provide a voice for everyone and encourage a positive relationship with running!
As a captain, what are your goals for the team as we enter our 2026 season? This team can do anything and I just want everyone to focus on finding their joy in the sport and leaning on each other. I think we are capable of going far with that mindset.
Brianna Poehler
Favorite book?
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Performance you are most proud of? Alumni Run 2025
Favorite quote? “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” -Vivian Greene
Hidden talent? Drawing
When and how you started running? I started running my freshman year. My older brother was on the team for three years. He inspired me to join because I saw how much my brother’s involvement transformed his attitude and shaped his life. It helped him grow a lot, and I was hoping it would have the same effect on me, and it did!
Why did you choose to pursue team leadership with TOXC? I want every single person on the team to know that they matter and that they belong, because they do! I know how much a positive and supportive environment can make a difference, especially for newer runners. I hope to leave a lasting impact by helping build an environment where everyone feels valued, motivated, and proud to be part of the team! If I can make a positive impact on even one person’s life, I’ll know my efforts were worth it.
As a captain, what are your goals for the team as we enter our 2026 season? I hope to keep the team’s morale high and make sure everyone feels encouraged throughout the season. The support we show each other is what makes this team so special, and I want to make sure that continues. I also want to encourage everyone to reach their goals, celebrate each other’s successes, and make this season one to remember!
Joey Spengler
Favorite book? Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
Race you are most proud of? Tiger 2026 or Alumni Run 2026
Favorite quote? “Just as man cannot live without dreams, he cannot live without hope” – Elie Wiesel
When did you start running, and what got you interested in running? I started running in 2019, when I was 10. Once COVID 19 hit, running was a way for me to get out of the house and use up energy. I really started to train when I turned 13, and I just fell in love with the sport.
Why did you choose to pursue team leadership with TOXC? Whenever I think of the best moments, I think of them with my teammates. Being a teammate is a unique relationship that shows the value of having people around you who support you, challenge you, and push you to become your best self. I have always wanted to be someone to provide this support. I wanted to give back my experience to others by creating a positive environment, leading by example, and pushing my teammates beyond what they believe capable.
As a captain, what are your goals for the team as we enter our 2026 season? My goal for the team is to make sure everyone feels welcome and valued. Additionally, it is my goal to help TOXC to rise back to the top.
Keith Chetwynd
Favorite book? Eye of the Storm
Race you are most proud of? Sophomore year Tiger Invite, Varsity mile.
Favorite quote?
When did you start running, and what got you interested in running? I started running when I was a Freshman because my Dad did, and I wanted to beat his times.
Why did you choose to pursue team leadership with TOXC? I chose to pursue team leadership because I developed a real care for the team and wanted to be able to help lead them into CIF since we haven’t been in a while.
As a captain, what are your goals for the team as we enter our 2026 season? Get past CIF Prelims this year.
Lancers Cross Country 