Ask Head Coach Renee Gunning to describe the William Penn Charter School Girls XC team, and she’ll sum them up in two words: “Crazy Magical.”

They’re a group that chants, laughs, and brings boundless energy to practice every day. But make no mistake, the second they toe the line, a switch flips.

Last season, Penn Charter missed qualifying for Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) by just three seconds—a razor-thin margin that left the team hungry for redemption. We are thrilled to launch Episode 1 of our 4-part mini-documentary series, following their journey back to the starting line.

Building a Championship Culture

In Episode 1, we dive into the unique environment Coach Renee has cultivated. It’s a culture grounded in smart, intentional training, where easy recovery days are truly kept light and fun, allowing the athletes to lock in completely when it’s time to execute.

What’s Coming Next

As the team prepares for the heart of their season, the workouts only get tougher. Stay tuned for Episode 2: “The Hill,” where the girls take on one of their most intense quality sessions of the year to build the strength needed for their championship season races.

Watch Episode 1 above, and hit subscribe on YouTube so you don’t miss each episode leading up to NXN.

Want to build a purposeful, data-driven training culture for your team? Learn how V.O2 supports high school coaches and athletes.