2026 D3 XC Women’s Preseason Rankings
NYU
Williams
Johns Hopkins
Middlebury
UW-La Crosse
UChicago
Vassar
Tufts
CMS
WashU
MIT
Emory
Carnegie Mellon
Washington & Lee
SUNY Geneseo
Pomona-Pitzer
Carleton
Amherst
Hope
Ohio Wesleyan
Calvin
Colorado College
UW-Eau Claire
Trinity
Conn College
Wesleyan
Trine
DePauw
St. Olaf
Wartburg
Bowdoin
Brandeis
#1 NYU
Region: Niagara
Key Returners:
Grace Rowley
Josephine Dziedzic
Ashlyn Pallota
Daniela Sekhar
Lucy Gott
Key Losses:
Janie Cooper
After a dominant 2025 nationals performance that saw five athletes in All-American position, NYU returns much of their national team. Their biggest loss is Janie Cooper, who finished 10th, but they return All-Americans Grace Rowley (8th), Josephine Dziedzic (11th), and Ashlyn Pallota (29th), making them even with Williams’s returning All-Americans. The Violets’ key for replicating success will be to keep their top runners in the top, move last year’s 6-7 runners closer to All-American contention, and continue to press the impressive depth that this team has been known for in the past several years at nationals.
#2 Williams College
Region: Mideast
Key Returners:
Kate Tuttle
Morgan Eigel
Tamar Byl
Jordan Liss-Riordan
Key Losses:
Charlene Peng
Kate Swann
Fiona Picone
2025 runners up Williams takes a hit losing All-Americans Kate Swann and Charlene Peng as well as 46th place finisher Fiona Picone, but they are one of the only teams in the country who can say despite these losses, they still return three All-Americans from last year’s team. Tuttle, Eigel, Byl, and Liss-Riordan give the Ephs a foundation, while the graduation of Peng, Swann, and Picone creates several openings in the varsity lineup.
The team is emphasizing consistency and development rather than relying on a single star. “We enter each year with the same focus - consistency, establishing good team culture, competing well in each opportunity,” said Coach Dusty Lopez. “We have some returners with strong experience racing at a high level, so we'll look forward to building on that and hopefully getting development and contributions from others as well.”
The biggest question will be who fills out the back half of the lineup. With a number of spots available, Williams has the opportunity for emerging runners to make a significant impact.
#3 Johns Hopkins University
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Key Returners:
Carter Brotherton
Mia Kotler
Storrie Kulynych-Irvin
Natalie Boquist
Sydney Shock
Ani Wedemeyer
Diana Valentini
Bella Stenhouse
Key Losses:
Adriana Catalano
Cooper Brotherton
Eleni Alvarez
Hadar Biger
Impact First Years:
Alexia Tubbs (10:34 3200m / 17:45)
Reese Tamburro (10:46 3200m / 17:18 3-mile XC)
Kira Dye (10:47 3200m / 18:01)
Abby Artabane (10:11 3k / 18:06)
Lucy Thomas (11:04 3200m / 18:15)
Ava Pendley (10:56 3200m)
Miriam Rule (11:24 3200m)
Johns Hopkins enters 2026 with one of the most impressive returning groups in the country. Carter Brotherton and Mia Kotler both finished inside the top 15 at NCAAs last year, while Storrie Kulynych-Irvin added another top-40 finish. Natalie Boquist gives the Blue Jays another proven championship runner after finishing 69th and running 17:16 for 5K and 35:37 for 10K in the spring. To add to the prestige, Sydney Shock ran 17:12 for 5K and 10:33 in the steeplechase, Ani Wedemeyer owns a remarkable 2:09/4:26/9:58 track resume, and Diana Valentini adds another sub-4:30 1500-meter runner. With that much track speed among the returners, Hopkins has plenty of options when building its championship lineup.
The incoming class may make an already deep roster even stronger, especially after key losses of Cooper Brotherton, Adriano Catalano, Eleni Alvarez, and Hadar Biger. Alexia Tubbs, Reese Tamburro, Kira Dye, and Ava Pendley all bring sub-11 3200-meter credentials or equivalent cross-country performances, while Lucy Thomas could also become a factor as she returns from injury.
“We have a great returning core of runners mixed with a very talented incoming class making for a nice recipe for excitement to fuel these Blue Jays to soaring heights once again,” said Head Coach Bobby Van Allen. “The competition around the country is so incredible right now and it only sparks more excitement to get after it and see the hard work of these students pay off.”
#4 Middlebury
Region: Mideast
Key Returners:
Audrey MacLean
Claire Palmer
Shea Fajen
Grace Kaelber
Mary Cestaro
Naomi Atwood
Key Losses:
Victoria Fawcett
Is it far-fetched to put Middlebury in podium contention? Maybe, but also, maybe not. With returning national champion Audrey MacLean back from studying abroad this spring and on their side, this young group of returners is now one year wiser, and this team has all the pieces to become a national threat. 2025 rookie and 23rd place All-American Claire Palmer adds another low-stick to the score, and the quartet of Shea Fajen, Grace Kaelber, Mary Cestaro, and Naomi Atwood add crucial returning depth. Only Victoria Fawcett departs from last year’s team (as far as we know). The key to this team’s success will be to close two major gaps: the one between MacLean and Palmer and the one between Palmer and the rest of the pack. If the Panthers can do that, they might just do something special.
#5 UW-La Crosse
Region: North
Key Returners:
Becca Immer
Julia Zalewski
Annika Elliott
Madison Twarling
Molly Novotny
Milana Pisto
Key Losses:
Brooklyn Luebke
Lucy Duchac
Impact Transfer:
Hailey Carroll (21:10 / 2:14 / 4:53 / 9:48 / 17:46)
Impact First Years:
Hannah Miller (2:11 / 5:03 / 18:30)
Elie Volheim (5:09 / 11:21 / 18:26)
The North Region squad returns a deep group while adding one of the more intriguing transfers in the division. Hailey Carroll, formerly of Geneva, finished 68th at last year's NCAA Championships and brings several competitive track times into the fall season as an Eagle. Incoming freshmen Hannah Miller and Elie Volheim also join the program with impressive 18:30 5k credentials, but will face the learning curve of 6k and competing against a group of seasoned veterans when attempting to crack the top 7.
The returning group includes Becca Immer, Julia Zalewski, Annika Elliott, and Madison Twarling, with Molly Novotny and Milana Pisto providing additional depth despite not appearing in last year's top seven. Brooklyn Luebke and Lucy Duchac are the primary losses.
“We took a swing in the heat last year and missed,” said Coach Derek Stanley, “but the lessons we learned carried into our track season, making us stronger, more confident, and even more determined to succeed.”
#6 U. of Chicago
Region: Midwest
Key Returners:
Katja Dunayevich
Estelle Snider
Maggie Horn
Vivian Kelly
Eva Devlin
Sylvia Snider
Alex Lohse
Rachel Singer
Key Losses:
Emma Kelly
Nora Holmes
Impact First Years:
Lidia Lo Faro (10:45.01, 4:58.98)
Kaitlyn Manfra (10:50.89, 5:01.44)
Lauren Draper (11:05.51)
Cailyn Murphy (10:54.89)
After finishing 17th at nationals last year, UChicago comes into 2026 ready to reclaim a spot in the top ten. Though they lose their No. 3 Nora Holmes and long time varsity contributor Emma Kelly, they bring back a star-studded returning national team that includes Katja Dunayevich, who took 61st in her rookie season, Estelle Snider (64th), Maggie Horn, Vivian Kelly, and Eva Devlin. Add to the mix 17-minute 5kers Sylvia Snider and Alex Lohse, sub-5 miler Rachel Singer, and an impressive incoming freshman class with three sub-11 two milers, and this team showcases a familiar UChicago women’s team dominance.
Head Coach Chris Hall shares what he thinks will lead to this team’s success. “[We] had a very inexperienced team in '25, but the majority of our team [is] returning [feeling] ready to make a big jump from where we finished at NCAAs a year ago,” he said. “A number of our younger athletes elevated a great deal in the spring, [so I’m] excited to see them race together in packs.” Look for them at the Joe Piane Invitational at Notre Dame.
#7 Vassar
Region: Mideast
Key Returners:
Haley Schoenegge
Chloe Bibula
Cayley Swaim
Acadia Helfand
Adelaide Nyhan
Lizzie Lowe
Key Losses:
Anika Mueller-Hickler
Impact First Years:
Eden Panchison (18:53m/ 5:32)
Grace Alpin
The women’s team of Vassar turned heads at nationals last year with their impressive tenth place finish after coming into the weekend ranked 24th (we’re sorry, Vassar!) Led by contender for the individual crown Haley Schoenegge, who was 15th last year and runner-up in 2024, look for this squad to back up their 2025 performance with a low-stick finish from three-time track national champion and secret weapon Schoenegge. Though Schoenegge battled some injury last summer, she comes into the 2026 season healthy and strong according to her coach. This squad loses a valuable member in their No. 2 scorer Anika Mueller-Hickler, it also gains back several seniors who missed last spring studying abroad.
Head Coach James McCowan is excited about the progress returners made last spring and believes they will step up to the plate this fall. “I'm excited for another year with this wonderful group of students,” he said. “They have done an amazing job of building a fun, supporting, collaborative and competitive team space and I know they are all excited to lean into the process of being the best we can be together this year.” They return their entire top 12 except for Mueller-Hickler, which promises good depth. The key to their success will be bringing the depth closer to low-stick Schoenegge.
#8 Tufts
Region: East
Key Returners:
Zui Chinchalkar
Katya Henisz
Deirdre Flanagan
Zoe Margolies
Samara McVey
Lily Simmonds
Key Loss:
Liz Donahue
Impact First Years:
Claire Palmer (4:57 1600m / 17:54 XC 5K)
Kajol Karra (11:48 / 17:42 track 5K)
Lillian Weiss (2:12 / 4:37 / 17:41 XC 5K)
Addie Julian (18:03 XC 5K / 2:14)
Kat Piantka (4:58 1600m)
Sylvia Perrin (4:44 1500m / 10:14 3K)
Tufts returns a strong group after losing Liz Donahue, an XC All-American and NCAA indoor qualifier. Zui Chinchalkar, Katya Henisz, and Deirdre Flanagan all return after running in the 17-minute range, while Samara McVey and Lily Simmonds add All-Region experience. Simmonds also brings 4:33 1500-meter speed. Additionally, the Jumbos could receive a significant boost from their incoming class. Lillian Weiss arrives with a 2:12/4:37 resume and a 17:41 5K, while Sylvia Perrin has run 4:44 for 1500 and 10:14 for 3K. Claire Palmer, Kajol Karra, Addie Julian, and Kat Piantka add even more depth and potential for developing this team.
With six proven returners and several first years capable of racing at the varsity level, Tufts has the pieces to remain one of the stronger teams in the East. The biggest question will be how quickly the newcomers can replace the production of Donahue and strengthen the back half of the lineup.
#9 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
Region: West
Key Returners:
Revere Schmidt
Denise Chen
Talia Green
Kylie Brunelli
Key Losses:
Riley Capuano
Sara Wexler
Elle Marsyla
Hope Dragseth
Impact First Years:
Nevis Murphy (18:26 / 5:04)
Isla Duncan (10:56 3200m)
Lilly Pippel (19:07 / 11:25)
Julieta Ochoa (18:15 / 11:20)
Last year’s third place podium team CMS heads into 2026 with a core of four returning runners. Revere Schmidt, Denise Chen, Talia Green, and Kylie Brunelli give the Athenas a foundation to build around, but the losses of 21st place All-American Riley Capuano, 44th place finisher Sara Wexler, 7th place XC All-American and 10k champion Elle Marsyla, and Hope Dragseth, who is studying abroad, leave meaningful holes in the lineup.
The incoming class provides several potential answers. Nevis Murphy, Isla Duncan, Lilly Pippel, and Julieta Ochoa add impressive cross-country and two-mile depth, and will look to fill big shoes of the 2025 squad. The key for CMS will be how quickly those younger runners can step into varsity roles. With a relatively open lineup, there should be plenty of opportunity for the newcomers and developing returners to establish themselves during the fall.
#10 WashU
Region: Midwest
Key Returners:
Lucinda Laughlin
Maddy Lee
Lauren Raley
Avery Nason
Leah Sekulich
Sally Carrington
Key Losses:
Jill Heth
Riley Clark
Katie Rector
WashU enters 2026 after losing three members of last year's 7th place NCAA lineup, including 24th place All-American Jill Heth. The Bears do, however, return six runners with significant championship or track credentials, giving them a deeper foundation than the losses might initially suggest. Lucinda Laughlin is the clear centerpiece after finishing 16th at NCAAs and running 16:24 for 5K. With Laughlin’s low stick, look for returners Maddy Lee, Lauren Raley, and Avery Nason to try to close the gap. Leah Sekulich and Sally Carrington provide two potentially significant additions after not racing at NCAAs. Sekulich ran 17:34 indoors, and Carrington posted 17:41 and 11:14 in the steeplechase.The Bears will need their Nos. 4–7 runners to make a substantial jump if they are going to replace the production of Heth and the other graduates.
“I am excited to watch some new faces reach new heights,” said Coach Jeff Stiles.
“We are going to apply the wise words of Naval Adm. William H. McRaven and begin each day by making our beds,” he added.
#11 MIT
Region: East
Key Returners:
Liv Girand
Heather Jensen
Key Losses:
Kate Sanderson
Rujuta Sane
Gillian Roeder
Lexi Fernandez
Last year’s fifth place national team MIT loses a star-studded class of seniors, including their top two All-Americans Rujuta Sane (12th) and Kate Sanderson (25th) and key contributors Lexi Fernandez (52nd) and Gillian Roeder (55th in 2024). Coach Riley Macon, who will take on the head coaching role at UNC Charlotte next year, sees these losses as a massive opportunity for the women’s team. “We have a lot of runners who have been waiting for their time to shine,” he said. “It is a very motivated group, excited and ready to fill big shoes!” This young squad will be led by senior leadership Liv Girand, who captured the 39th All-American position last year, and Heather Jensen, who finished 54th in 2024. Get a sneak peak of their fitness at D3 Prenats. The key to their success will be developing the younger members early on in the season under a new coaching regime. A new MIT coach has not yet been named.
#12 Emory
Region: South
Key Returners:
Elizabeth Csikai
Madison Tiaffay
Ayla Cooke
Ashley Clyman
Davis Johnson
Cameron Gupta
Payton Fleming
Key Losses:
None from 2025 nationals team
After finishing 18th last year, Emory earns a bump in the rankings simply because they’re one of the few teams to not lose a single nationals performer. They return their entire varsity team from last year, including 2023 All-American Elizabeth Csikai, who led the way for the Eagles last year. Csikai was not an All-American in 2025, but has the talent and experience to lead this young team as high as a top-10 finish. Making the top 10 will likely require at least one All-American, so the key to this team’s success is to hunt down the top 40.
#13 Carnegie Mellon University
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Key Returners:
Maya Ducker
Ananya Devpura
Elise Kempf
Emma Horsley
Alaina Patel
Lexi Ohler
Kara Mathias
Key Losses:
Chloe Bonson
Margaret Ann Healy
Orit Shiang
Impact First Years:
June Fuch (5:03 / 2:14)
Paaramita Asuri (5:12)
Ava Neretic (5:14)
Carnegie Mellon loses three important contributors from last year's sixth-place NCAA team, but the Tartans return enough experienced talent to remain a dangerous national contender. Maya Ducker, Ananya Devpura, Elise Kempf, and Emma Horsley headline the returning group, while Alaina Patel, Lexi Ohler, and Kara Mathias could provide additional depth after not making last year's top seven.
The Tartans also add three freshmen with strong middle-distance credentials. June Fuch brings a 5:03 mile and 2:14 800-meter resume, while Paaramita Asuri and Ava Neretic have run 5:12 and 5:14, respectively. If those runners can transition to cross country quickly, Carnegie Mellon could replace some of the depth lost to graduation.
“Although we have some big losses from the 2025 6th place NCAA team, we return some experienced talent who continued to improve throughout the track season,” said Head Coach Tim Connelly. “The success that they had last fall really opened their eyes to what is possible when you compete with confidence and intensity. If the returners can continue to progress, and bring some of the younger runners with them, this will be another strong and competitive team.”
“Our runners have high expectations and are excited to build on the 2025 season's success. If our returners provide great leadership and help the younger runners to grow into their roles as contributors, this can be another very successful team,” Connelly added.
#14 Washington & Lee University
Region: South
Key Returners:
Olivia Warr
Lydia Harvey
Reese Brown
Josie Engle
Adelaide Ellis
Maddy Morgan
Key Losses:
Eve Spencer
Impact First Years:
Laura Sallade (2:15.6, 5:00.5, 18:35)
Emma Watson (2:15, 5:01, 18:49)
Annabel Bayler (5:04, 11:01, 18:55)
Coming off of a 15th place finish at nationals, Washington and Lee returns six of their 2025 national qualifiers, including fourth place All-American Olivia Warr, who is a returning contender for the individual crown, and Lydia Harvey, a two-time XC nationals qualifier and last year’s 50th place finisher. Nationals returners Reese Brown, Josie Engle, Adelaide Ellis, and Maddy Morgan will look to combine last year’s national meet experience with big 2026 track seasons, as all four saw PRs across different distance events. Newcomers Laura Sallade, Emma Watson, and Annabel Bayler all look to make an impact in their first year coming in as sub-19 XC 5kers. The key for this team will be closing the gap between Warr and Harvey, and perhaps more importantly, the gap between Harvey and the rest of the pack, especially after losing No. 4 Eve Spencer. “Nationals was a first-time experience for five of our women last year,” said Head Coach Mike Dager. “This year we have a chance to get to Minnesota with 6 women who have raced on the biggest stage, and we are excited about what that might mean for our team this fall.”
#15 SUNY Geneseo
Region: Niagara
Key Returners:
Ari Reback
Greylynn Guyer
Kaitlyn Hotaling
Alexa Kosier
Shelby Boise
Ella Grinnell
Katie Bauman
Key Losses:
Ann Brennan
Sierra Doody
Jillian O'Rourke
Impact Runners:
Camryn Szokoli
Danielle List (2:17/4:42)
Maggie Christenson (7:04 steeplechase)
Mya Patti (10:34 3K / 7:18 steeplechase)
Four additional runners with 10:45 3K credentials
Geneseo is aiming to rebound from an uncharacteristic 22nd-place NCAA finish after illness derailed its top two runners on championship day, ending a streak that had seen the Knights consistently in the nation’s top 10 under Dan Moore. The good news is that Reback returns with a resume that suggests she could be one of the region's top runners. Joined by Greylynn Guyer, who emerged during the spring with a 10:36 steeplechase and Second Team All-American honors, returners Kaitlyn Hotaling, Alexa Kosier, Shelby Boise, Ella Grinnell, and Katie Bauman give the Knights plenty of depth. Geneseo's incoming class could be its biggest advantage and the key to returning to the top 10, especially after losing regional champion Ann Brennan and 800m indoor runner up Sierra Doody, as well as long time NCAA contributor Jillian O’Rourke, who will be studying abroad.
“The goal is to close the gap back to the top 10 with this year's young squad, mostly dominated by sophomores,” said Coach Dan Moore. “I am really excited to see what this young team will do this season.”
#16 Pomona-Pitzer
Region: West
Key Returners:
Eva Novy-Hildesley
Fiona Bodkin
Megan Walter
Maggie Avey
Kendall Madine
Lili Maycock
Key Loss:
Joya Terdiman
Impact First Year:
Anna Hirsch (17:53 5K XC)
Pomona-Pitzer returns one of the most experienced groups in the West despite losing its top runner from last year's NCAA team. Joya Terdiman finished 67th at last year’s nationals, but the Sagehens return six runners who all have substantial championship or track-season experience.
Eva Novy-Hildesley leads that group after finishing 78th at NCAAs, while Fiona Bodkin and Megan Walter were also inside the top 130. Maggie Avey, Kendall Madine, and Lili Maycock give Pomona-Pitzer remarkable depth, with all six returners owning 22:30-or-better 6K credentials. The Sagehens add Anna Hirsch, who arrives with a 17:53 5K cross-country best. Her development could provide another option behind the experienced returning core.
Coach Emma DeLira says the team is focused on building throughout the season: “We return a very experienced, veteran team that will improve throughout the entire season. We are focused on conference, regionals, nationals - and doing our absolute best at those meets.”
With six proven returners and only one major loss, Pomona-Pitzer has the experience to make another run at the national top 20. The key will be propelling some of their returners into All-American contention.
#17 Carleton College
Region: North
Key Returners:
Lauren Tittel
Amelia Campbell
Key Losses:
Hannah Preisser
Aliya Larsen
Claire Vukovucs
Impact First Years:
Abigail Burns
Jane Coffee-Read
Carleton enters the season with Lauren Tittel and Amelia Campbell as its primary returning names after losing three important contributors in North powerhouse Hannah Priesser, as well as steady forces Aliya Larsen and Claire Vukovucs. The Knights will need their returning runners to take significant steps forward while also relying on a young incoming class to rebuild the depth of the lineup.
Abigail Burns and Jane Coffee-Read give Carleton several potential options for the new-look varsity group. With so much of the lineup still to be established, Carleton's ceiling will depend heavily on internal development during the fall.
#18 Amherst College
Region: Mideast
Key Returners:
Ava Thomas
Katie Greenwald
Nikki Chopra
Ani Bailin
Nora Hart
Zoe Marcus
Josie McLaughlin
Maggie Kuchman
Key Losses/Absences:
Flora Biro
Audrey Seeger
Addison McGoey
Allison Lounsbury
Hannah Stephenson
Impact First Years:
Sydney Remenar (4:44/ 10:15)
Grace Alexander (11:15)
Eva Muzichenko (7:09 2K steeplechase / 18:42)
Nefeli Oikonomidi (2:14 / 5:07)
Maggie McCooe (2:16 / 5:12)
Maddie Braun (2:16)
Amherst's 2025 season ended on a high note when the Mammoths finished fifth at NESCACs, fourth at regionals, and 16th at nationals. They now return a much more experienced group, although several important contributors will be studying abroad during the fall. Ava Thomas and Katie Greenwald both gained NCAA experience last year, while Ani Bailin, who was injured during cross country but ran a 17:32 5k in track season, gives Amherst one of the more intriguing potential additions to its front end. Nora Hart and Nikki Chopra add further depth, while Zoe Marcus brings track credentials after earning All-American honors in the 800 and DMR.
“Last year was a rebuilding year for our women, having lost most of our Varsity squad to graduation,” said Head Coach Hannah Chappell-Dick. “Although several of our returners are studying abroad in the Fall, we have some very exciting youngsters who are ready to take the next step after strong track seasons to help punch our team's ticket to XC NCAAs.”
The first-year class could be a major difference-maker, boasting a range that spans from Nefeli Oikonomidi’s 2:14 800 to Sydney Remenar’s Vermont state championship in cross country. The key will be for returners to quickly fill the shoes of those missing in the fall.
#19 Hope College
Region: Great Lakes
Key Returners:
Grace Baldauff
Dylan Ballin
Mary England
Olivia Ippel
Taylor Mitchell
Miranda Sawvel
Anna Sybenga
Annika Sytsma
Maddie Vandebunte
Key Losses:
Molly Durow
Impact Transfers:
Naomi Diekman (18:40 5k)
Chloe DeRidder (18:21 5k)
Naomi Nelson (18:38 5k)
Impact First Years:
Cianah Budnik Ramos (18:49)
Marie Gates (17:59)
Abby Lewis (18:30, 5:00)
Ruth Miller (18:45)
Abby Veit (18:43)
Coming off of a season that saw a runner-up finish to top-10 team Trine at MIAAs, a third place finish at Great Lakes Regionals, and a 26th place finish at nationals, Hope women are ready to translate big track seasons into a strong fall campaign. Though they lose frontrunner and two-time All-American Molly Durow, they return a strong pack of nationals returners in Mary England, Olivia Ippel, Grace Baldauff, Dylan Ballin, Taylor Mitchell, and Anna Sybenga. Last year’s 2-5 scorers at nationals finished within 21 seconds of each other. With the additions of three sub-19 transfers and five sub-19 freshmen, look for this varsity squad to become even more competitive. This team needs a low stick finisher after losing Durow, but perhaps Ippel or England are primed to take this position after running 17:00 5ks in track last year. “[We saw] tremendous improvement during the 2026 track season with everyone running big PRs in their respective events,” said Head Coach Mark Northuis. “The return of experienced veterans and influx of strong newcomers should result in a successful 2026 XC season.”
#20 Ohio Wesleyan
Region: Great Lakes
Key Returners:
Zoe Ward
Sophie Cotts
Brianna Montgomery
Laura Wagner
Hope Morris
Allison Dietz
Ella Chomic
Key Losses:
None from 2025 regional meet
Ohio Wesleyan women put together an impressive 2025 regular season last fall only to fall short at regionals with a fifth place finish. They won NCACs and held their ground against top national competition at Conn College, but in the end, only Zoe Ward, who went on to finish 42nd at nationals, advanced out of the Great Lakes region. They return their entire regional squad from last year, including Ward and fellow rising seniors Sophie Cotts and Brianna Montgomery who make a deadly trio up front. OWU will need to beat teams from other regions during the regular season and finish within the top 3 at regionals to guarantee a spot at nationals, but with a lingering appetite from last year’s regional result, the Bishops just might rise to the occasion.
#21 Calvin University
Region: Great Lakes
Key Returners:
Hailey Erickson
Ayla Holben
Alexis Ball
Brynn Ellenbecker
Emma Wierenga
Key Losses:
Sophie Bull
Catie Kramer
Impact First Years:
Jacalyn Yakel (5:03 1600m)
Though they lose fifth place All-American and Steeplechase and 3k national champion Sophie Bull, Calvin enters the fall with five key returners. Hailey Erickson, Ayla Holben, Alexis Ball, Brynn Ellenbecker, and Emma Wierenga give the Knights a solid foundation after a track season that featured significant improvement from several key athletes. The incoming class is led by miler Jacalyn Yakel. Her ability to transition that speed into cross country could be important as Calvin looks to fill the gap left by Bull.
“Losing a runner like Sophie Bull is hard for any team, but after a strong track season that saw breakout performances for many of our key returners, we're relying on our culture and our depth to replace the loss of Sophie and propel us to a great season,” said Assistant Coach Jack Carroll.
#22 Colorado College
Region: West
Key Returners:
Charlie Flint
Key Loss:
Alison Mueller-Hickler
Impact First Years:
Austin Cook (2:11.45/ 5:00/18:37)
Lila Muirhead (18:23)
Annie Schendel (5:14/11:23/18:53)
Colorado College returns 30th place All-American Charlie Flint and will look to build a competitive team around this proven front-end talent. The Tigers lose Alison Mueller-Hickler, but the incoming class brings several athletes with credentials that could immediately strengthen the lineup, including three sub-19 5kers. “The Colorado College squad is ready to show up at the big meets this season and continue to represent at the national level,” said Head Coach Alex Nichols. “The claws will be out.”
#23 UW-Eau Claire
Region: North
Key Returners:
Molly Heidorn
Jordan Chen
Reagan Zimmerman
Libby Beirne
Saige Peterson
Key Losses:
Keeley Behr
Ryann Wagner
Returning 31st place All-American Molly Heidorn leads the way for the Eau Claire Blugolds, but this squad has some holes to fill after the loss of their number two and number 4 runners Keeley Behr and Ryann Wagner. To better their 20th place finish from last year, their pack will need to tighten up and move closer to the front of the race, but they have experienced leadership from Heidorn to help them accomplish this task.
#24 Trinity (Tex.)
Region: West
Key Returners:
Anne Snider
Emerson Voldan
Kate Boone
Sophie Munoz
Cali Good
Avery Hand
Key Losses:
Gianna Keena
In 2025, Trinity (Tex.) returned to the national meet for the first time since 2017. In 2026, they have the chance to make their mark as a distance powerhouse in women’s cross country by repeating a trip to nationals. They take a heavy hit losing their number one runner Gianna Keena, but return six experienced national runners who posted a tight pack time at last year’s championships. If they can replicate a strong regular season and regionals performance, they should be able to make it back to nationals and even better their 27th place finish if they can move their pack closer to the front.
#25 Connecticut College
Region: Mideast
Key Returners:
Kiera Tallas
Abby Williams
April Schilling
Mary Lonergan
Julia Coyle
Juliet Provost
Violet Lowney
Key Losses:
Grace McDonough
Alexa Estes
Abby Fernald
Liz Freeman
Alsacia Timmerman
Impact First Years:
Hannah Petersen (5:20 / 11:28)
Maddalena Figueroa-Starr (2:19)
Kiernan Crary-Gracz (2:23/5:26)
Alyssa Lynch (5:28)
Connecticut College faces one of the biggest roster transitions in the country after graduating its strongest class ever. The Camels lose 13th place XCAll-American Grace McDonough, 800m All-American Alexa Estes, Abby Fernald, and Liz Freeman, four members of last year's NCAA lineup, as well as Alsacia Timmerman, who spent much of the season as a top-five runner but was unfortunately unavailable for the postseason due to illness. Still, there is plenty of returning talent. Kiera Tallas and Abby Williams give the Camels a proven front end after finishing second and third on the team at NCAAs last year. April Schilling adds championship experience and miler speed, while Mary Lonergan, Julia Coyle, Juliet Provost, and Violet Lowney provide additional depth. “It will be a challenge to qualify for the NCAA Championship again,” said Coach Ned Bishop, “But we have a strong returning group along with an incoming first-year class with solid credentials. We are optimistic about the season ahead of us.” Their incoming class includes lots of middle-distance talent that could develop into cross-country contributors.
#26 Wesleyan
Region: Mideast
Key Returners:
Chase Cerrell
Virginia Lessner
Claire Mahedy
Alexandra Weingard
MaryAlice Pineau
Sofia Magnera
Key Losses:
Stephanie Ager
Impact First Years:
Ava Bullock (1500m-4:47, 3k-10:37, 5k-17:44)
Logan Ignacio (1600-5:03, 3200-11:06)
Addy Reed (1600-5:14, 3200-11:24)
Clara Shingler (3k:10:22, 3k steeple-7:17)
Despite missing the national meet last year with an eighth place finish at Mideast regionals, Wesleyan returns a strong team to 2026. They lose key member Stephanie Ager, but return number one Chase Cerrell, who finished 116th at nationals last year. Add to the mix regionals veterans Virginia Lessner, Claire Mahedy, Alexandra Weingard, MaryAlice Pineau, and Sofia Magnera, and this team is ready to make their bid to nationals. A strong recruiting class that includes several promising 3k runners adds even more depth.
“Our expectations are always to compete at the top of the NESCAC, the Mideast Region, and ultimately the NCAA Championships,” said Coach Leo Mayo. “These are big goals, but they start with the team culture we build every day. Our leaders have built a culture where our athletes truly enjoy being around one another, both on and off the course. That camaraderie carries into training and competition, making everyone better while strengthening our team. When someone does well, we all celebrate, rather than competing against each other. This culture has been the key to our steady improvement over the years, and we think it will keep driving our success this season.”
#27 Trine University
Region: Great Lakes
Key Returners:
Courtney Study
Grace Dubsky
Halle Overmire
Hannah Geaney
Allayna Gue
Key Losses:
Sidney Swick
Eleanor Young
Chloe Goodrich
Bailey Puckett
Impact First Years:
Hailey Sills
Madison Cooley
Lucinda Kriofske Mainell
Erinn Verkennes
After their top-10 national finish, Trine graduates its top four runners from last year's team, making this one of the more difficult rebuilding jobs in the Great Lakes. Still, the Thunder return a solid group from their conference and regional championship squads, led by Courtney Study and Grace Dubsky.
Study and Dubsky are coming off strong track seasons and will be asked to lead a much younger lineup. Halle Overmire also enters the fall with momentum after looking strong over the summer, giving Trine three returners who could contribute to the new-look squad.
“We're very excited for our women's team this upcoming season,” said Head Coach Zach Raber. “Although we graduated our top four, we return a solid group from our conference and regional championship teams. Courtney Study and Grace Dubsky are coming off very good track seasons and look to lead our team this fall. Halle Overmire has looked great this summer as well. Our incoming freshman group has a lot of talent so we should be in the mix again this fall for a conference championship and a chance to run at Nationals again.”
#28 DePauw
Region: Great Lakes
Key Returners:
Grace Thomas
Grace Flores
Rowan Hering
Katy Dascoli
Erin Lissman
Angela Coulopoulos
Natalie Lewis
Key Losses:
Amzie Maienbrook
Morgan Tharp
Impact First Years:
Tatum Jones (11:50 3200)
DePauw finished seventh in the Great Lakes region last year, but had some of the best track times in the spring of any returning team in the region. Returners Grace Thomas and Grace Flores both posted sub-18 5ks, while Rowan Hering saw big improvement with an 18:08 5k PR. Katy Dascoli, Erin Lissman, and Angela Coulopoulos all posted mid-18 5ks, and newcomer Tatum Jones adds promising depth to the mix. It might take a top-4 finish in the region to make the national meet, so the key to this team’s success will be postseason sharpness.
#29 St. Olaf College
Region: North
Key Returners:
Abi Lindquist
Louisa Lamarre
Arabella England
Anna Peikert
Anna-Britta Helmer
Molly DiNardo
Key Losses:
Lauren Walda
Isabel Wyatt
Ella Landis
Molly Kate McCloskey
Grace Moeller
Impact First Years:
Sophie Stephens (19:02 / 5:08 / 11:11)
Linnea Ronning (18:49)
Mary Clare Nussbaum (18:46 / 5:16 / 11:22)
Alaya Drummond (19:10 / 2:20)
Stella Powell (18:56 / 5:17)
St. Olaf may be one of the harder teams in the country to evaluate entering the season. The Oles lose five contributors but they return several runners who could take much larger roles, like Molly DiNardo who was abroad in 2025. Abi Lindquist and Louisa Lamarre provide experience, while Arabella England returns after missing the top seven because of illness.
The bigger story may be the incoming class. St. Olaf brings in 11 first years, with several already possessing credentials that suggest they could immediately contribute. The sheer volume of young talent gives St. Olaf plenty of chances to find a successful top seven.
“We expect our top 7 to look very different this year, from upperclassmen prepared to step up, to 11 first years with a lot of untapped potential,” said Head Coach Erica Maker. “It will be difficult to rate who we are early on, but I believe we will be a surprising team in October/November.”
Watch for the Oles and how they fare this year at Prenats and Conn College.
#30 Wartburg
Region: Midwest
Key Returners:
Lydia Maas
Ava Vance
Morgan Engel
Key Losses:
Maddie Merna
Haley Meyer
Karle Kramer
Lily Peterson
Wartburg will likely enter a challenging rebuilding year in 2026 after losing the majority of their nationals squad, including their number one and two runners Maddie Merna and Haley Meyer. The returners will have to rely on their experience and hope for some strong summer training from their incoming class and non-nationals racers in order to have a chance to return to nationals in 2026.
#31 Bowdoin
Region: East
Key Returners:
Audrey Stevens
Fran Miller
Five returners from last year's squad
Key Losses:
Andrea Becker
Tori Bacall
Impact First Years:
Elise Casso (4:47 1500m)
Lauren Temple (5:07 mile)
Bowdoin enters 2026 with a relatively young group looking to build off last year's foundation. The Polar Bears return five runners from their varsity group, including Audrey Stevens, who brings 4:49 1500-meter speed, and Fran Miller, a 2:17 800-meter runner. While they lose two seniors who occupied the No. 5 and No. 6 spots, the returning group should have an opportunity to take on larger roles. The incoming class provides some intriguing track credentials. Elise Casso arrives with a 4:47 1500-meter best, while Lauren Temple has run 5:07 for the mile. If those newcomers can translate their track ability to cross country and the returning runners make the expected jump, Bowdoin could develop into a stronger team as the season progresses. “We'll start at the start and see what it adds up to,” said Coach Ben Raphelson.
#32 Brandeis University
Region: East
Key Returners:
Mikaela Beeler
Sadie Harrow
Lily McNulty
Shayna Zavell
Key Losses:
Shae Regan
Kayla DiBenedetto
Katriona Briggs
Impact Transfer:
Rhiannon Vos
Impact First Year:
Joely Klaristenfeld
Brandeis faces significant turnover after graduating a portion of its top seven, including Shae Regan, Kayla DiBenedetto, and Katriona Briggs. This team will have to replace their top runner and much of their championship lineup, but several returners made substantial gains during track.
Mikaela Beeler anchors the returning group after running 35:51 for 10K and nearly qualifying for NCAAs individually. Sadie Harrow improved to 17:08 for 5K, while Lily McNulty could be a major addition after missing last year's cross-country season but having a strong track season. Shayna Zavell is another potential top-five runner.
Brandeis also adds transfer Rhiannon Vos and first-year Joely Klaristenfeld to their lineup.
“While graduating a majority of our top seven, our returners made huge improvements in the track and field season,” said Coach Michael Schmidt. “We have new runners excited to step into the roles of those who graduated, whether they are a returner or an incoming first-year or transfer.”