The Spartan junior placed 2nd at the Nike Cross Country Heartland Regionals on Nov. 9, running a personal-best 17:04 in tough, frigid conditions at Yankton Trail Park. The finish secures her spot at the Nike Nationals in Portland, Ore., on Dec. 6.
VanDeest’s standout 2025 season already includes her 5th straight Black Hills Conference title and a runner-up finish at the state meet. She’ll be joined at nationals by South Dakota runners Brianna Reilly (Harrisburg), Ellie Maddox (Sioux Falls Christian), and Hannah Genrich (Harrisburg). The Sioux Falls Christian Chargers also qualified their team.
