THE NEXT STEP: Acuna expected to be the new face of Elkins XC moving forward
Fort Bend Elkins' Jadyn Acuna
The best runners don't always lead with flair -- they lead with resolve, consistency, and an unwavering work ethic.
For Fort Bend Elkins junior Jadyn Acuna, those qualities have come to define both her presence on the course and her growing influence within the program.
Acuna enters her third season with the Elkins cross country team following a breakout sophomore campaign, one that firmly established her as a reliable front-runner in the district and a rising name in Class 6A competition.
Her performance at the 2024 District 21-6A Championship Meet marked a highpoint—clocking a personal-best 20:33.00 in the 5K to earn fifth overall. That individual finish proved crucial in lifting the Lady Knights to a third-place team result, securing their advancement into postseason competition.
She followed up that effort with an appearance at the 6A Region III Meet in Huntsville, where she placed 110th out of 173 runners—a valuable step in her development on a bigger stage.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
While the Regional result may not have turned heads, it was the kind of performance that reflects Acuna’s upward trajectory and sets the tone for what’s expected in 2025.
As Elkins reloads for the fall season, head coach Ben Still will undoubtedly be looking to Acuna as the team’s most experienced and battle-tested competitor.
What she lacks in seniority, she makes up for in grit and proven results. And with two years of varsity-level experience already behind her, Acuna is primed to anchor a team that’s aiming to climb the district ranks and push deeper into regional contention.
For Elkins, the fall season begins with plenty of question marks—but the one constant remains clear. Jadyn Acuna is ready to lead the charge.