2022 NCAA DII Women’s Cross Country Regional Rankings – Preseason

NEW ORLEANS – Cross country season is back!

Here is the preseason edition of the NCAA Division II Women’s Cross Country Regional Rankings for the 2022 season, as released by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Monday afternoon.

Regional Rankings are determined subjectively by a single member coach in each respective region. The regional representative is tasked with weighing returning teams’ strength with current season results (if applicable) in determining a rank-order of squad potential. Only USTFCCCA member programs are eligible to receive a ranking. Teams with provisional status within the region may be ranked.

Regional Championships Saturday is set for Saturday, November 19.

Atlantic Region

Defending regional champion Edinboro is No. 1 to begin the season, followed by last year’s third-place team Charleston (W.Va.) at No. 2. The Fighting Scots return their entire roster that helped them win the regional title last year, while the Golden Eagles bring back their top-3 runners from a year ago and add several international athletes to their group.

Last year’s runner-up Seton Hill, Slippery Rock and Lock Haven round out the preseason top-5.

Central Region

Defending regional champion Augustana (S.D.) is No. 1 to begin the season with last year’s runner-up Minnesota Duluth at No. 2. The Vikings, who later finished third at the NCAA Championships, return four First Team All-Americans from that squad, while the Bulldogs welcome back their entire top-7 from last year.

U-Mary, Minnesota State and Neb.-Kearney round out the preseason top-5.

East Region

Southern New Hampshire, who finished fourth at last year’s regional championship, is No. 1 to begin the season with last year’s sixth-place team Daemen at No. 2. The Penmen return four of their top-7 athletes from last year, while the Wildcats are coming off of a strong track season and expect several breakthrough performers.

Roberts Wesleyan, Southern Connecticut and Saint Anselm round out the preseason top-5.

Midwest Region

Defending regional champion Grand Valley State is No. 1 to begin the season, while last year’s third-place team Cedarville sits No. 2. The Lakers, who finished second at the NCAA Championships, bring back four First Team All-Americans and welcome several newcomers to the group. The Yellow Jackets return six of their top-7 athletes that ran at the NCAA meet.

Saginaw Valley State, Hillsdale and Lewis round out the preseason top-5.

South Region

Defending regional champion Lee (Tenn.) is No. 1 to begin the season, followed by last year’s runner-up Saint Leo at No. 2. The Flames return five of the seven athletes from last year’s team, while the Lions have two low sticks that could play a big role for the team this year.

Mississippi College, Embry-Riddle (Fla.) and Tampa round out the preseason top-5.

South Central Region

Defending regional champion Adams State is No. 1 to start the season with last year’s regional runner-up Colorado School of Mines at No. 2. The Grizzlies, who won the NCAA Championships last year, bring back their entire top-7 and welcome back Stephanie Cotter, the individual national champion from 2019. The Orediggers return six of their top-7 athletes and bring in two transfers who are expected to make an impact.

UC-Colorado Springs, Western Colorado and Colorado Christian round out the preseason top-5.

Southeast Region

Wingate, which finished runner-up last year, is No. 1 to begin the season with last year’s third-place team Anderson (S.C.) at No. 2. The Bulldogs bring back five of their top-7 athletes and have a strong incoming class to bolster their squad. The Trojans only lost one athlete from last year while adding two newcomers that are expected to add some depth to their lineup.

Flagler, Lenoir-Rhyne and North Georgia round out the preseason top-5.

West Region

Defending regional champion Simon Fraser is No. 1 to begin the season with last year’s runner-up Cal State Stanislaus at No. 2. SFU returns six of their top-7 that helped them win the regional title last year, while the Warriors welcome back the majority of their team and several newcomers that could make an impact.

Chico State, Western Washington and Biola (Calif.) round out the preseason top-5.