MileSplit50 Individual Girls XC Rankings Countdown

10.

Athlete: Ericka Vanderlende

Year: Senior, Class of 2019

School: Rockford (MI)

Analysis: Michigan was a stacked state in 2017, with the likes of Olivia Theis, Sielle Kearney and Anne Forsyth. But Vanderlende still made her mark, scoring a career best time of 17:09.42 in the 5K at regions before earning a coveted Michigan state title in Division 1 in 17:16.80. She produced nine times under 18 minutes and earned a bid to Foot Locker Nationals after finishing fifth at the Midwest Region in 17:37.20. 

Vanderlende only got stronger, however, over the spring, where she doubled one of the best 1600m-3200m performances nationally with top times of 4:45.17 and 10:05.01, respectively. While she only earned one state title over the track season--she was first in the 1600m and second in the 3200m--there's no doubt the senior enters 2018 as a legitimate powerhouse in Michigan. It shouldn't be surprising that she opened her 2018 season with a time of 17:50. More success is on the horizon for Vanderlende.