On a roster of 30 runners, one stands out from the rest—and it certainly isn’t because of her age and experience.

Charlotte Woolley ‘30, despite being in seventh grade, has proven herself to be one of the most important runners on Varsity Cross Country.

“I like seeing and trying to beat my time in every single race,” Woolley said. “I just want to keep improving and keep getting better, and to mainly keep running.”

Woolley has been running for Varsity Cross Country since sixth grade. To prepare for this fall season, she trained over the summer.

“Charlotte is obviously unafraid of hard work, and her drive and ambition have put her in a place to really turn heads in the MBIL this season,” Barker-Hook said. “Her season-opening mile time of 5:55 is the second fastest among girls in the school’s history.”

Varsity Girls Team Captain Chloe Rose Scolnick ‘25 agrees.

“I think that Woolley is such a great runner,” Scolnick said. “She hasn’t been running the past few races because of injury prevention, but she’s an amazing teammate both on and off the course.”

Barker-Hook also praises Woolley’s ability to run with the fastest girls and boys.

“Charlotte’s work ethic and competitive drive raises the bar for everybody—for those on both boys and girls teams—to push themselves to be their best,” Barker-Hook said. “When they see what this 12-year-old kid, who at first glance would not strike you as a runner who will blow your doors off, do what she does, they can’t help but push themselves to keep up with her.”

Woolley hopes to win the Middle School State Championship, as well as the Middle School New Balance Cross Country Championship.

“I just need to keep training and practicing,” Woolley said.

Woolley also plays as a starter for Varsity Lacrosse, and she aims to continue the sport in college.

“Even as a sixth-grader last year, Charlotte was starting in lacrosse games and running cross country meets against 18 year olds, holding her ground fine,” Barker-Hook said. “Really, the sky’s the limit for Charlotte.”