For the fourth consecutive year, Severna Park enters the season as the defending 3A girls state champion. Head coach Josh Alcombright has built a program where the foundation goes far beyond what happens on a November race course. For the 2026 season, the Falcons return with a strong core and plenty of depth ready to carry the program forward.
With All-State returners Josie Kamas, Lexi Fitzsimmons and Mari Matthews leading the way, along with the addition of senior Siena Pegues and several rising athletes from last year’s JV squad, the Falcons are once again aiming to contend with the best teams in Maryland and beyond. But as Alcombright and captain Josie Kamas emphasize, the team’s ambitions extend beyond another trophy: they want to be great teammates, embrace the process, and build a positive culture where everyone can accomplish more together.
Coach Questions - Answered by Head Coach Josh Alcombright
1. Looking back now, what does that championship mean to you and your program?
Coach Alcombright: They are all meaningful, but this one was special in that it was our fourth consecutive title, and we had a senior, Kate Murphy, who had the distinction of having competed in, and been on the championship team all four years. I'm not sure if that has happened before in Maryland but if it has the instances are very few.
2. Was there a race, workout, or turning point when you realized your team had the potential to accomplish something special?
Coach Alcombright: Within our program, competing for a state title is the goal every year and having won it the three previous years (and bringing back several key members) we knew that we were in a good position. I wouldn't say there was any pivotal epiphany or anything but the girls were accomplishing things in training that showed we were ahead of where we have been in previous years.
3. As you turn the page to 2026, what excites you most about this year's team?
Coach Alcombright: Our staff is really encouraged by how hard the girls have been working this summer...together. Cross is the quintessential team sport and to accomplish some of the things we want to accomplish you need not only a strong five but that added depth that creates a healthy competition amongst the team. Having depth allows the girls to run more free and selflessly, as they know if they aren't at 100% someone will be right there to take up the slack.
4. Who are some athletes that you expect to take on bigger roles this fall?
Coach Alcombright: With every graduation class you lose some leadership that is vital, but we have several girls ready to step up and take that on.
Talent wise we are fortunate to add senior Siena Pegues, who has ran track for us the past three years but played soccer in the Fall up until now. She should complement all state returners Senior and two-time defending AA County Champ Josie Kamas (third) and Juniors Lexi Fitzsimmons (fifth) and Mari Matthews (seventh).
Other than those four there are several JV girls from last year that had outstanding track seasons and are ready step up to the varsity level, led by Sophomore Caitlynn Nunn, Junior Addison Newhard and Seniors Caroline Stead, Brenna Gruman, Ava Deegan and Sophia Stutz.
5. What goals have you and your team set for this season, and are there any invitationals or championship meets you're especially looking forward to?
Coach Alcombright: As I stated above, every year our goal is to contend for a state championship and test ourselves against the top teams on the east coast to see where we fall in our Nike region. Paul Short should be good gauge as to how we are progressing this season.
We also have some specific goals in terms of team time average and point totals at the state meet that we would love to be able to go after, if possible, but that will all depend on several factors.
6. What do you hope this year's team is remembered for when the season is over?
Coach Alcombright: We think the girls have the potential to do some really special things on the course, but it is always our goal to be, not only great teammates to one another, but also be respectful and grateful to our competition.
We are a very serious and competitive program, but I absolutely want the athletes to enjoy what they are doing and reap all the benefits and lessons that come with our amazing sport.
We always try to do things the right way (all the time not just when people are looking), so if I can look back on the season and feel good about how the 2026 team carried themselves on and off the course, it will be a success.
7. How long have you been coaching? How did you get your start?
Coach Alcombright: This will be my 28th season coaching (22nd at Severna Park overall and eighth with the girls)
8. What's one of your favorite memories from your coaching career that still makes you smile?
Coach Alcombright: There are too many to remember honestly. I have been very fortunate to coach alongside and against some amazing people who have become family to me and the relationships that I have built with some former athletes will be the most meaningful thing to me once this all ends for me.
But a few competitive moments that are etched in mind forever and always make me smile are:
- Having back to back NXN qualifying teams for the boys in 2013 and 2014 and an individual in 2017. The experience and environment for the athletes (and coaches) there is something special for sure.
- The transformation of the girls' program over the past eight years to where they are now getting close to being as dominant as they boys were from 2012-2023 is a really amazing thing to be a part of. I absolutely love it for them.
- Yet likely the most special moments are when both sides of the program are clicking on all cylinders, and we get to celebrate it all together. Having both teams win state titles in 2018 and 2022 is a memory that always makes me smile.
9. If someone spent one practice with your team, what's something they'd quickly learn about your program's culture?
Coach Alcombright: We work hard and are a very competitive program, yes, but my kids are so supportive of each and we very much emphasize the selfless "We>Me" philosophy. The grind of training is easier to manage when you are doing it for each other.
Athletes can accomplish so much more than they think is possible when you have a positive, supportive environment. And they have fun doing it together.
Captain Questions - Answered by Josie Kamas & Caroline Stead
1. What's one word that best describes this year's team, and why?
Josie: One word that best describes this year's team is cohesive, because we all have a very close bond. Over the years we have learned that uplifting everyone and collaborating with each other makes us all stronger; so throughout the summer we have been making an effort to become more connected and unified. We have met new freshmen coming in, as well as transfer students, gone to camp together, and spent many rainy or hot mornings out on the trails doing a workout or recovery run together.
Caroline: One word that describes this year's team is dedicated, because so many girls have been showing up early every single morning to train and prepare for their season. It truly feels like every girl, regardless of place on the team, is getting out there every day just to get in the best shape possible for themselves and our team!
2. What's one goal this team has that goes beyond winning races?
Josie: One goal that the team has that goes beyond winning races is becoming the type of people and teams that we like to interact with at meets. We are working very hard to implement a very positive team culture because at the end of the day we are running simply because we love to run. It’s important that we promote this idea regularly because the end goal is just being a strong and positive person day in and day out.
Caroline: One goal our team has beyond winning races this season is working to ensure each girl feels supported and comfortable talking about issues that can come with being a female endurance athlete, such as fueling and self image. We all push to familiarize everyone with the fact that certain issues are very common and we are all here to support and help each other.
3. What message would you like to send to your teammates and fans as the 2026 season begins?
Josie: The message I would like to send is gratitude. Our teammates are incredibly hard-working, I have watched as girls finish new highs during their summer runs, or maybe hit a new low during an off week, but they show up nonetheless. The reason why we all keep showing up is because we know we will always have each other, there is an abundance of support everywhere you look and for that I am so grateful. This goes for our friends, family members and overall supporters as well, nothing would be possible without our team mom, athletic directors and so much more, it’s important to realize the fact that this isn't individual support, we are all in it together.
Caroline: I’m absolutely positive we will have a great season based on our teams combination of talent, passion, hard work, and encouraging each other. We are so grateful for the huge support group we have. I know everyone will keep working incredibly hard and now’s the time to show off that work and have fun with our amazing group of girls.