The King Philip Regional High School girls track and cross-country program has put together one of the most successful stretches in recent school history, capturing three Hockomock League Kelly-Rex Division titles over the past year.

The team clinched the Hock’s Indoor Track 2024-25 title, the first in a decade. It was the first title of any kind for head coach Lauren Farkash, who has coached the girls for 10 years now.

The team followed that winter championship with a historic cross-country performance in the fall. There hadn’t been a team title in cross-country in either girls or boys since 1999.

The victory came down to a dramatic finish against Franklin, long considered the program’s biggest rival, according to assistant coach Jill Lawrence.

“It ended up in a tie,” Lawrence said. “And then when that happens in cross-country, you go to see whose sixth runner finished first—and it was us.”

The team then capped the run with a second straight Kelly-Rex indoor title this past winter, an amazing achievement for a sport that typically flies under the radar at King Philip.

A Culture Built on Leadership

Lawrence, an assistant coach for the last five years, pointed to team culture and leadership as central to the program’s success, particularly during the cross-country season. “We had a really close team that felt like family,” she said. “We had three phenomenal captains who led by example. They are true role models.”

Those captains—Ella McManus, Riley DoRosario, and Sophia Giancioppo—helped establish a tone that extended throughout the roster.

McManus, a senior, said the captains prioritized time together off the course, helping build camaraderie and shape a close-knit, optimistic group. The coaches, she added, remind the girls that they don’t have to run, they get to run, contributing to the positive mindset that helped propel the team forward.

DoRosario, also a senior, described the team’s camaraderie as positive and motivational. “We race for each other, but we also truly value all the aspects that come with being a competitive, healthy female athlete. Our mindset and our intention behind how we create our family team dynamic are what makes us so strong. I think that’s been the glue of our team’s success Everyone on the team knows their value.”

Giancioppo says the connection amongst the girls got them through the toughest meets. “We worked to stay true to the team mentality by building each other up,” said the senior captain. “All our athletes showed love, determination, and commitment, not only to the sport but also to one another. I think that’s a huge factor in our success.”

Coaching and Approach

The coaches also have played a key role in the team’s success, said the captains, noting the women’s coaching strategies and dedication. 

“The program is blessed to have amazing coaches guide the team,” said Giancioppo. “They cheer us on in the tough moments and tell us how proud they are regardless of our time. They are excellent role models.”

Coach Lawrence emphasized the unique nature of the sport itself, which is both individual and team-focused: participants race as individuals, but their finishing place contributes directly to the team score. Training is year-round, and the long runs with others help build strong team bonds.

“Everyone is genuinely rooting for everyone else,” the coach said. “The girls are very supportive of each other, and they do feel like we are a KP track and field family.”

The program has taken a broader, athlete-centered approach in recent years, Lawrence noted, which has contributed to their success. 

“Lauren and I feel that we have learned together how to be comprehensive with the girls—not just about training, racing, or competing, but also focusing on rest days, which research shows can be as important or more important than workout days.”

The program also emphasizes injury prevention, nutrition, and recovery, a philosophy that helped the team stay healthy and consistent.

Depth and Individual Performances

While the cross-country titles were driven by depth and pack running, the track team has also benefited from standout individual performances.

Senior Alex D’Amadio has been a major contributor, and a top point scorer. A sprinter and jumper, she has competed at the state and regional level and is set to continue her career at UMass Amherst. Some of her top performances so far occurred junior year at the Hockomock League Championships, where she won the 400m, 400m hurdles, and triple jump.

DoRosario, despite battling injuries and health issues, has run an 11:58 2-mile and a 19:58 5K, among other PRs. She has committed to run at St. Olaf College.

McManus has run a 12:34.4 in the 3,000 meters, and 21:10 in the 5,000 meters.

Giancioppo has a cross-country PR of 23:38 against Franklin.

A Program on the Rise

Lawrence said the program’s rise has been building over several years, but two moments in particular stand out. One was when the current seniors came on as freshmen, and another was during the 2024-25 season.

“We beat Franklin… kind of easily,” she said. “And then we were like, ‘Whoa.’”

From that point on, the team recognized its potential.

McManus agreed. “Going into the meet we knew it would be our toughest battle yet and it was going to take some real grit to earn the win. Everyone on the team did their job and ran their hearts out, and eight girls ran a PR that day.”

Despite the success, the team has not drawn the same attention as other sports, especially at King Philip, which has had many successful, high-profile teams, including football and softball. “It’s just not a spectator sport,” Lawrence said.

However, she added that the nature of distance running makes the athletes’ accomplishments even more impressive. There are no breaks or plays or big crowds to help motivate the runners, just sustained effort over long distances. 

“Mental toughness is crucial in this sport,” said Lawrence.  “There’s no one cheering you on except maybe your parents and grandparents, so you’re really on your own. Coach Farkash says it best: ‘Cross country runners are the toughest athletes out there. They willingly sign up to compete in pain.’”

Whether the team can keep up the winning momentum remains to be seen. The spring track season is in full swing, and while they are aiming for another strong finish, a key matchup is looming on May 12 against Franklin. 

With a roster that includes more than 110 athletes across the boys and girls programs, interest in track at King Philip continues to grow. After a year of breakthrough success, the Warriors have established themselves as one of the top programs in the league.