After nearly a decade of coaching Riverside Brookfield High School girls cross country, Head Coach Blair Jensen will be retiring at the end of the 2025 season. Although the decision wasn’t easy, Jensen believed it was time to step aside from coaching and let new blood in.
During his time as coach for the RB girls cross country team, Jensen has enjoyed watching his runners use all of what is taught to them in practice to achieve their goals throughout the season.
“The best thing is seeing the progress all the runners make,” Jensen said. “They do things they never imagined they could do or even knew existed. They challenge their minds and bodies to see them get through some really tough stuff.”
Jensen has created many fond memories with his teams throughout the years, but watching his runners grow more disciplined and committed each season has been his favorite part.
“I’ll miss watching them develop and grow as people,” Jensen said. “Seeing them push themselves during their races and then talk about how hard it was just 20 minutes later [has been very enjoyable].”
Girls cross country Assistant Coach Lillian Holubek has enjoyed working with Jensen throughout each season to help their runners reach their fullest potentials.
“He makes every practice super fun, and he really thinks about every part of practice,” Holubek said. “Whether it’s the workout week in general, how it is going to benefit our runners, and overall
Senior Sophia Maietta has been on the girls cross country team since her freshman year of high school. The positive environment Jensen provides for his runners during practices and meets is something that she will never forget.
“I’ll miss his presence and his attitude about everything,” Maietta said. “He always tries to find the fun in running and make it inclusive for everyone.”
Sophia has greatly appreciated having Jensen as a coach. He always radiates a positive vibe and creates an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that is sure to keep all athletes involved and interested in their athletic endeavors.
“Jensen has impacted my life by just being the person he is,” Maietta said. “He really cares and wants to see his runners grow and accomplish challenges, whether it’s with school or life.”
Jensen constantly brings his upbeat and chipper outlook to the team and is always developing connections and a sense of companionship within the team. Jensen not only serves as a great coach, but as a great supporter for the team as he will constantly be there along the course for his athletes.
“He pushed many team bonding activities this year,” Maietta said. “We have team workouts where we are partnered with girls we don’t know. He wants us to be a close team and tight with each other because that will benefit us.”
Not only does Jensen strive to continually foster a team environment, but he also always strives to build a welcoming and accepting environment for anyone and everyone.
“He has a love for cross country, and he’s always tried to recruit and get new girls into running and the program,” Maietta said.
