Boerne Champion junior Elizabeth Leachman has further cemented her legacy as one of the top high school cross-country athletes in the nation, winning her second consecutive Foot Locker National Championship on Saturday at Balboa Park in San Diego, California.

Leachman claimed victory in the 5,000-meter race with a time of 17:31.1, finishing ahead of Michigan’s Victoria Garces, who took second in 17:39.9. Leachman’s patient strategy paid off as she surged past early leaders, securing her place at the top in the race’s final stretch.

This victory comes after a strong but challenging season, including a third-place finish at Nike Cross Nationals just a week prior, where Garces narrowly beat her. Leachman said she got sick in mid-September and has struggled to get back to 100%. That said, it appears she’s back to form.

Leachman’s performance at the Foot Locker Nationals reversed that outcome, earning her a dominant win.

Leachman’s achievements this year add to an already impressive career, which includes competing in the Olympic Trials—a milestone that rallied the Boerne community behind her. Her dedication and resilience continue to inspire her hometown, where her victories are celebrated with immense pride.

Winning back-to-back titles, with her first in 2023 at a record-breaking time of 16:50.7, marks Leachman as a standout in the Foot Locker Nationals’ 45-year history.

Her journey exemplifies the power of hard work and community support, and Boerne will undoubtedly continue cheering her on as she looks ahead to even greater achievements.