Breakthrough Stars Countdown #4: Bethany Graham


You have to be next level good to be a state champion and also make this list. That is exactly what Bethany Graham is. She may have five track state titles but she is still chasing that first XC title and a full healthy season, that is why if she remains healthy it could be a huge breakout year for her. 

Bethany currently owns a 18:05 personal best run at Pole Green on their hill course. That time is the third fastest ever on that course and she ran it as a sophomore in September. Since then she has faced injuries and mishaps that have led her to miss two Octobers of racing. 

We have yet to see what she is really capable of at states or on a fast course. We did see her for two healthy track seasons this year and in those seasons she tallied up five state titles, a 4:50 1600m pr, and a 10:29 3200m pr. 

She is one of the few athletes in Virginia capable of improving an entire minute on her PR and to break 17 minutes.