Margaret Massengill ’26: Cross Country as a Cougar

“Sometimes the biggest accomplishments aren’t the times that you PR (beat your personal record). It is the time that you come to a race even though you don’t want to or you go for the run even when you’re tired. Those moments make you stronger as a runner, and as a person too.”

Margaret Massengill ’26 has made her mark on the George School Cross Country team with her natural talent and passion for running. Since joining the fall of her freshman year, she has led the team in a sport she once viewed as a casual hobby.

“Running has been a part of my life for so long. It’s at the forefront of my life in a lot of ways and I’m so happy that it’s something that I get to do.”

In the first month of her sophomore season, she has already exceeded expectations. In the team’s first meet, Margaret caught attention by winning second place overall in the Mill Street Run, crushing her previous PR. In the following two meets, she won first place in competitive races against Germantown Friends School, Shipley, Moorestown Friends, and Westtown.

Her accomplishments have been celebrated by the George School community, something Margaret does not take for granted. She shared her response to the support: “It feels really good because it’s about something I really care about.”

This is the first time Margaret has focused on running competitively. Before George School, Margaret played field hockey and lacrosse, and imagined lacrosse would remain her main sport.

“Lacrosse has always been a part of my life. It was such a big part of my identity for five years and it was the only thing I thought about,” Margaret explained. “I would have never thought five years ago that this is what I’d be choosing to do with my time.”

Margaret’s original interest in running started in middle school, where she was involved in Girls on the Run, a nonprofit, physical activity-based positive youth development program for girls that uses running and other activities to teach and develop competence, confidence, connection, character, caring and contribution. The program concluded each season by running a 5k. Shortly after, she began running on her own more consistently. 

“Once I started middle school, I began going for runs. I really wanted to have a good mile time, so I would train for that.” As she progressed, she built a training schedule for herself. “Every day I would try to run more than the next day until I could run four miles without stopping.”

After training the summer before her freshman year, Margaret decided to pursue Cross Country at George School, and has not stopped running since. She has thrived in the team environment, supported by encouraging staff and team members.

“With running, the littlest things can affect your time. Having coaches there who understand and who you can be completely honest with is such an important factor for all sports teams, especially Cross Country.”

In terms of her relationship with her teammates, she shares their special bond. “Everybody knows what it feels like to run a 5K. Everybody knows what it feels like to go for a run when you’re tired and that connects the team. It’s something that bonds people on a deeper level even if you don’t necessarily say it out loud.”

When training days are difficult, Margaret relies on her teammates and coaches for reminding her why she originally joined.

“Cross Country is important, but it’s running that we all fall in love with.” She explained. “Your love for running can take you much further than your competitiveness will ever take you.”

Outside of the Cross Country season, Margaret plays the string bass and is a part of Amnesty and the Women’s Empowerment clubs. In the spring, she continues her love for lacrosse on the George School Varsity team. She loves everything George School has to offer and the inviting nature of the community.

“George School makes everybody feel like they have a voice and everybody’s able to have an opinion that feels valued,” she shared.

Margaret is excited to continue the upcoming season on campus. “I love the fall season. The runs with the team where we get to run on campus, see the leaves change, and spend time together while training is what I’m really looking forward to.”

George School plans to host the FSL (Friends School League) Championship this year, and Margaret and the rest of the team are excited to have the home course advantage. Read more about Girls Cross Country here.