2023 NCAA DII Women’s Cross Country Regional Rankings – Preseason

NEW ORLEANS – Cross country is back!

Here is the preseason edition of the NCAA DII Women’s Cross Country Regional Rankings for the 2023 season, as released on Tuesday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

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 are set for Saturday, November 4.

Atlantic Region

Although defending regional champion Charleston (W. Va.) lost two of their top five this past offseason, the Golden Eagles boast a strong core that helped them notch the No. 1 Atlantic spot. With a few international additions, the title defense is officially a go. Hot on their tail in the No. 2 spot will be Lock Haven, who returns nearly all of their team from the 2022 season. If healthy, it could be a dogfight all the way to the end. 

Slippery Rock, Edinboro, and Bloomsburg round out the preseason top-five. 

Central Region

No. 1 Augustana (S.D.) is set to begin their 2023 campaign at the top of the Central Region. Despite boasting a 5th place finish at nationals last year, the Vikings lost their top three finishers in Nicolette Schmidt, Megan Means, and PJ English. On the other hand, No. 2 Winona State is bringing back their entire top seven, including Lindsay Cunningham who was a definitive question mark. Keep an eye on this week by week clash. 

Minnesota State, Pittsburg State, and Minnesota Duluth round out the preseason top-five. 

East Region

SNHU owns the No. 1 preseason spot in the East Region as the 2023 season gets underway. The Penmen will be led by a one-two punch featuring Kelsey Seamans and Kaitlyn O’Rourke after multiple All-American Ashley Corcoran graduated. No. 2 Roberts Wesleyan will try to stay even with their counterpart as Acacia Barber leads the charge. The Redhawks return all but Jennifer Zambuto to their unit. 

Saint Anselm, Southern Connecticut State, and Daemen round out the preseason top-five. 

Midwest Region

Grand Valley State is revamped, reloaded, and ready for another crack at a Midwest Regional title from the No. 1 spot. The Lakers return all top seven members from last year’s national runner-up squad and add a few notable grad transfers. No. 2 Wayne State (Mich.) follows a similar trajectory, the primary difference being that their top finisher, Ashley Defrain, has since graduated. That shouldn’t stop the inevitable fireworks show to come. 

Cedarville, Saginaw Valley State, and Lewis round out the top five. 

South Region

Not only does No. 1 Lee (Tenn.) return their entire roster, they have since added another three names to the list. Come Nationals, the Flames could be looking at a top-10 finish with a deadly 32 second spread. Wanting to play spoiler in the South Region will be No. 2 Tampa (Fla.) who snagged Bradley standout Olivia Harp via the transfer portal. The young Spartan foundation is in a great position to notch another auto qualifier. 

Mississippi College, Palm Beach Atlantic, and Embry Riddle (Fla.) round out the preseason top-five. 

South Central Region

It’s no surprise that No. 1 Adam’s State is the team to beat in the South Central Region as the Grizzlies return everyone from their National Champion lineup, including individual National Champion, Stephanie Cotter. No. 2 Colorado Mines has the best chance to upset the overall favorites, bringing back all but Zoe Baker. This colossal showdown could be a preview of what’s to come on the biggest stage just two weeks later.

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

Southeast Region

The No. 1 spot in the Southeast Region belongs to Wingate who placed 23rd in a competitive field in Seattle, Wa. last year. With a solid incoming class, and a tight crew upfront, repeating as champions is in the Bulldogs’ sights. No. 2 Catawba (N.C.) will be looking to shake up the rankings as they lose not a single member of their 2022 squad. 

Anderson (S.C.), Flagler, and Lenoir Rhyne round out the preseason top-five. 

West Region

The biggest issue for No. 1 Stanislaus State last season was depth. That shouldn’t be a problem for the Warriors this time around who added a flock of speedy freshmen and transfer Holly Little. No. 2 Chico State will attempt to knock off the reigning West Region victors. Renowned for developing homegrown talent, the Wildcats 12th place finish at nationals last year is just a preview of what’s to come this season. 

Biola (Calif.), Azusa Pacific, and Cal Poly Pomona round out the preseason top-five.