The Rockhurst University women's cross country team was picked to finish eighth in the 2026 Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Preseason Coaches' Poll, the conference office announced Tuesday (August 25).

The Hawks received 82 points in the preseason poll, which was voted on by the league's head coaches. Lewis was selected as the preseason favorite with 169 points and 13 first-place votes, followed by Southwest Baptist (152), Maryville (129), Illinois Springfield (126), Drury (125), Truman State (117) and Indianapolis (98).

Rockhurst enters the 2026 season with a blend of veteran leadership and new talent. The Hawks return three seniors who will provide experience and leadership throughout the season, while welcoming a freshman class of five runners to the program.

Senior Alexis Borum returns after leading Rockhurst at the 2025 NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships. Borum finished 125th overall with a time of 23:46.16 on the six-kilometer course, giving the Hawks valuable championship-level experience heading into the 2026 campaign.

Rockhurst will look to build on that experience as the Hawks prepare for the upcoming season and the GLVC Championships later this fall.

2026 GLVC Women's Cross Country Preseason Poll

Lewis — 169 (13 first-place votes)
Southwest Baptist — 152 (1)
Maryville — 129
Illinois Springfield — 126
Drury — 125
Truman State — 117
Indianapolis — 98
Rockhurst — 82
Missouri S&T — 77
Quincy — 60
Lincoln — 52
Missouri-St. Louis — 37
McKendree — 33
Upper Iowa — 17