Five Sisters Make Up Team's Entire Top Five As Family Works Together For Fun And Success

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

Photo courtesy Latta Family

The Latta sisters’ dynamic is as rare as it is special.

Addyson (“Addy”), 16, is the oldest, followed closely by fraternal twins Iris and Elin, 15, and then Remi and Reese, both 14, who arrived just nine months later via adoption. All five connected, and all five share a love of running.

“We always call them our 'Irish quads,’” mom and coach Robin Latta said jokingly.

The Lattas comprise the entire top five for the South Texas Heat Homeschool team.

Far from the sibling rivalries many expect, the sisters describe themselves as best friends -training partners, travel companions, and biggest cheerleaders, which has led them to a successful and fast start this cross country season in Texas as they look to repeat as the Texas Homeschool State Champions, led by 2024 Nike Cross Nationals qualifier, Elin.

“I think it’s so fun to run with my sisters,” Elin said “I definitely think in the long run it’s going to be very beneficial for our connections.”

Homeschooling and High Standards

Since Pre-K, the Latta girls have been homeschooled, a choice their parents made in the wake of Sandy Hook.

“It turned out to be a true blessing,” Robin said. “We get to spend so much fun time together doing a lot of things. My hope is my girls will be friends for a lifetime.”

A traditional teacher at heart, she handles lesson planning herself, supplementing with tutors for advanced classes. The girls are high achievers, scoring well on standardized tests, taking AP courses, and preparing for college. Athletics fit naturally into their daily rhythm, with practices scheduled for early mornings or evenings to beat the Texas heat.

The sisters train with other Texas homeschool groups as well.

Competing through the Texas Christian Athletic League, they are considered a private school and affiliated through the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). Running as “South Texas Heat” based in San Antonio, they are able to line up against charter schools, private schools, in-state and out-of-state competition.

“Texas is one of the best states to homeschool and be an athlete,” Robin said. “We’re held to academic and eligibility standards, just like everyone else.”

Last fall they were able to put together a smart and challenging schedule that included the Texas A&M Invitational where they finished fourth as a team, and then a 10th place finish at the Nike XC Town Twilight in Indiana.

Elin was the top freshman, placing eighth in a competitive field that featured high school runner of the year Jane Hendegren.

This fall, the Latta’s went 1-2-3-5 finish at the annual SA Patriots Invitational with Elin picking up the victory in 17:30.6. Iris (18:01.50), Remy (18:37.50), and Reese (18:45.80) were right behind. 

“I think they all drive each other and all work together and help each other out, I think that’s why collectively they do so well,” Robin said.

Running for Joy, Not Burnout

What stands out most about the Lattas’ approach is their intentionality. Robin, with her background as a chiropractor and lifetime runner,is determined to protect her daughters from the burnout she has seen plague other young athletes.

A 100 percent healthy athlete who doesn't run as fast is far happier mentally and physically than an 80 percent healthy athlete who is overtrained, she said.

For the sisters, this means limiting events at big meets, prioritizing rest, and viewing every season as part of a long-term journey.

In the late spring, Elin focused on the mile as she shattered the Texas girls mile record by running a US#5 time of 4:36.74 at the Hoka Festival of Miles. She also won the Music City Track Carnival 3,200 in 9:56.33. Iris, Reese, and Remy also experienced success at New Balance Nationals Outdoors.

Different Strengths, Shared Passion

Hailing from Colorado, Robin said the girls tried a handful of sports, but were bitten by the local Colorado running scene early on and haven’t looked back. To this day, they still spend part of their summers hiking, biking, paddleboarding, and racing up the Manitou Incline in Colorado Springs. This summer Addy even did a  burro race, which is a run with a donkey.

“It was a lot of fun,” she said. 

Each sister brings her own personality to the team:

Addy: the oldest, is academically brilliant and interested in medicine. Despite hip challenges that slow her compared to her siblings, she runs with perseverance and joy.

Elin: a “go with the flow” type, she has already made headlines in Texas running circles for her speed and fearless racing. She is one of the fastest runners in the country.

Iris: creative and organized, often takes on a leadership role.

Reese: thoughtful and empathetic, shines as a writer and has a gift for language.

Remi: the youngest twin by a minute, is feisty, funny, and fiercely determined.

Together, they form a collective that thrives on encouragement rather than competition.

Looking Ahead

The sisters’ goals for the season are simple: stay healthy, enjoy the sport, and keep smiling at the starting line.

The Lattas will run at the Nike South XC Invitational on Friday at College Station, Texas. It will be a chance to preview the new NXR South course.

Robin explained the postseason plan is still to be determined with a variety of options where the girls could end up qualifying.

Elin is one of the favorites to compete for the Nike South Regional title after finishing fifth last year.

“I love that they happen to love the sport that I happen to like,” Robin said. It's a sentiment that perfectly captures the family’s approach: running is less about medals and more about a lifelong love of the sport, shared together.