Immediately after learning he’d represent Team USA in the International U18 Mountain Running Cup, Boston Potts texted his high school cross-country coach.

Potts had the chance to represent not just America, but Coronado and its cross-country team in Montaña Palentina, Spain, and wanted to share the news.

“He had to send in letters of recommendations and then I didn’t hear anything for a while,” said Lisa Rainsberger, Coronado cross-country coach. “After he found out, the first thing he did was text me the acceptance letter. … He met the markers they were looking for and made the team.”

Potts demonstrated why he deserved a spot and clocked in at 24 minutes, 13 seconds in the 3.1-mile race and helped Team USA capture gold at the event on June 22.

Potts nearly earned an individual medal and finished three seconds behind teammate Dylan Blair, who placed third at 24:11.

“It was a really fun race, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to participate,” Potts said. “It rained the day before and the day of the race. … When it comes to rain or any bad weather, it is what it is, there’s nothing you can do about that. But it helped me gain confidence to race in those kinds of conditions. You know there’s nothing you can do to change it, but you still have to perform well.”

Rainsberger said she’s recognized Potts’ growth last year and during the offseason.

Rainsberger said she preaches the importance of steady improvements and Potts has “ran with that message.”

From running mostly 17-minute races as a freshman to hitting sub-16 minutes in four competitions as a junior, Potts’ focus on progress continues to help him develop.

“Kids nowadays read about so-and-so doing all these miraculous things, like during the Olympic Trials with Quincy Wilson [potentially] making the [U.S.] Olympic team at 16 in [the 4×400 relay,]” Rainsberger said. “They read about that and they’re always excited. But I’m like ‘Wait a minute. You’re exactly where you need to be.’ With Boston, he’s always been exactly where he needs to be and that is in a period of growth.

“Every year he’s a better version of himself. We want these kids to realize we’re proud of their personal growth, not where they are compared to others.”

As a junior, during his seven high school cross-country races, Potts finished in the top 10 five times and set personal records on three occasions.

During the state meet at the Norris Penrose Event Center, Potts finished 18th overall, his best placement at state, and second on the team behind Cougars teammate Oliver Horton, who finished ninth.

Potts hopes his experience in Spain boosts him and the Cougars to a new level this year.

The Cougars finished fourth at state on the boys’ side in 2023 and lost just two seniors from their team.

“It’s a big confidence boost being able to place that well and knowing what my strengths are,” Potts said. “I feel like trail running brings us together for cross country, and it showed me that I still have areas where I can become a better runner. I’m excited for the season.”

For Rainsberger, Potts’ success in Spain holds more value than placement among competitors.

This highlights Coronado athletes’ potential.

“When Boston made that U18 team, it made the whole [Coronado] team feel special,” Rainsberger said. “It elevates everyone to believe this is possible. We’re not just a bunch of kids who have to be in the shadow of Air Academy or Niwot. We’re creating our own shadow right now. When one of ours does something special, that let’s us know we matter.”