First year Monument Valley girl's cross-country head coach Felicia James said her goals and expectations are rooted deeper than just competition.

"I'm here to help the runners understand that they are so much capable than what they believe," James said. "Whether that's on the course, in the classroom or at home. Running can be used as a catalyst in life."

Ten runners return to this year's team, including its top five. Top five runners returning include senior Deanna Johnson, senior Shere Sells, sophomore Serena Salt, senior Yazmine Hubbard and sophomore Dayhenoa Yazzie.

Returners are junior Kylene Isaac, sophomore Alyssa Sombrero, junior Sasha Joe, sophomore Rachel Begay and sophomore Abrianna Clitso.

New to the program include sophomore Joann Salt, freshman Shyrai Shorty, freshman Tierra Sandoval, senior Shantelle Whitehorse, sophomnore Kailey Kescoli and sophomore Kylie Tom.

James said the Lady Mustangs failed to qualify for the state meet last year. She hopes to change the scene and turn the program around.

"I hoping that this year I can instill a sense of confidence going into the season and help them believe that last year's performance do not and cannot effect this year's outcome."

James said this past summer was one of the first summers that the runners had, not one but two, running camps.

"Several group meet ups to go on runs and game nights," James said. "We used this summer for more than conditioning and really tried to establish the team aspect into our program. Our summer runs and hang outs went well. We had an average of 10 runners per meet up. Our summer meet ups took place anywhere from the Kayenta airstrip to the Native American Baha'i Institute in Pine Springs, Arizona."

James said after the first week of official practice, workouts have consisted of conditioning.

"It's obvious to tell who ran over the summer," James said. "The girls have been doing good so far though and look to be a lot stronger than last year. However, we still have a long way to go to get them into racing shape. The biggest thing I see that the girls need to work on is their endurance and strength. The kids got their first taste of hill workout this past week. That revealed a lot of their weaknesses and the places they lack."

James said the girls will set goals for themselves for the season.

"During track was the first time the kids had set any type of goals for the season," James said. "I want to continue having them set goals for themselves, so they understand the standard they set for themselves. Like any goal that is set, it's going to take a lot of hard work and dedication. I tell the runners that in order to grow, they have to get uncomfortable, meaning they have to push themselves into that uncomfortable pace or putting themselves into a leadership position that they've never really head."

James said the 3A North Region is one of, if not, the most competitive regions in the state.

"It (3A North Region), has produced some of the best runners, not only in the state, but nationwide," James said. "Some of the teams that have been tough to beat in the past have lost some of their number one runners. So right now, I see 3A North up for grabs and we're here for it."

The 3A North Region schools have won six of the last nine state championships. Ganado took home the state title in 2017. Page has won four state titles (2015, 2014, 2012, 2010). Chinle won the state crown in 2011. Salpointe Catholic of Tucson won last year's state championship.

James is a 2012 graduate of Miyamura High School in Gallup, New Mexico. She has earned her Associates in General Studies.

James earned All-District from 2008 to 2011 and All-State in 2008 in cross-country. She was District champion in 3200-meters in track in 2009 and finished fifth place at the state meet in 3200-meters. In 2010, James was state runner-up in 3200-meters. From 2009-2011, she was a member of Wings of America team.

Monument Valley opens its cross-country season on August 31, hosting the Pizza Edge Invitational at the old Primary School on campus in Kayenta at 9:30 a.m.