2023 NCAA DII Women’s Cross Country National Coaches’ Poll – Preseason

Here is the preseason iteration of the NCAA Division II Women’s Cross Country National Coaches’ Poll for the 2023 season, as released by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Wednesday. Remember that this poll is conducted by counting votes from eight member coaches – one from each of the division’s eight regions – who also do the Regional Rankings.

NCAA Division II — Women's Cross Country

This Week's National Top Five

1
Adams State

2
Grand Valley State

3
Colo. School of Mines

4
UC-Colorado Springs

5
Winona State

Cross Country Polls & Rankings

NATIONAL POLL

REGIONAL RANKINGS

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Once again, Adams State finds itself atop the rankings as the favorite to win their fourth consecutive title. Led by 2022 individual national champion, Stephanie Cotter, the Grizzlies return their entire lineup from just a year prior. The reigning champs managed to place five in the top-20 with a remarkable 37-second spread. With a unanimous eight votes to their name, Adams State will have all eyes on them to start the season.

Second-ranked Grand Valley State will be looking to throw a wrench in the Grizzlies’ bid for another storybook ending, if they can help it. The Lakers return all seven members of their 2022 roster which finished just 20 points behind their rivals. Standout Klaudia O’Malley (third) should no longer be alone at the front of the pack with the addition of Ana Tucker, a graduate transfer from Hope University (fourth at the NCAA DIII Cross Country Championships last year).

Colorado School of Mines is slotted at No. 3 entering the 2023 season. Following a third straight podium, and the highest finish in school history, the Orediggers welcome back a talented group of individuals that includes Molly Maskin (12th), Grace Strongman (39th), and Claire Peters (47th). The thought of losing Zoey Baker may limit any early title aspirations, but UC-Colorado Springs transfer Riley McGrath should be a more than capable replacement.

Speaking of UCCS, after much debate, the No. 4 preseason spot belongs to them. The Mountain Lions will be faced with answering a few question marks following the departure of their number one and number four runners. It’s not all unpleasant news, however, as Emma Montoya from NCAA DI New Mexico joined over the offseason.

Rounding out the top-5 is Winona State, which has yet to secure a seat this high in the National Coaches’ Poll until now. The Warriors return all seven members from their 2022 squad, including national individual runner-up Lindsay Cunningham. Winona State’s standout had a fantastic season on the track with three national titles in the distance events.

Here are the rest of the top-10 teams in the preseason: No. 6 Augustana (S.D.), No. 7 Western Colorado, No. 8 Wayne State (Mich.), No. 9 Stanislaus State and No. 10 Colorado Christian.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 18, as that’s when the 2023 NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships will take place at the Tom Rutledge Cross Country Course in Joplin, Missouri!