Kansas City, MO – The University of the Cumberlands women's cross country team will begin the 2026 campaign ranked 11th in the NAIA Preseason Coaches' Poll, officials announced Thursday. The Patriots also enter the season ranked First in the Mid-South Conference preseason ranking.

 UC is coming off a strong 2025 campaign, capturing its sixth consecutive Mid-South Conference Championship before finishing 13th at the NAIA National Championships with 412 points.

The Patriots return several key contributors from last year's squad, highlighted by NAIA All-American Lea Kunstmann along with Brynn Poulson, Elisa Helferich, Heather Durrant, and Anslee Crosby.

Kunstmann put together a standout freshman campaign, earning MSC Runner of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors after winning the conference championship in 22:23.59. She capped off the season by placing 13th at the NAIA National Championships with a time of 21:39.3 to earn All-American honors.

 Poulson and Helferich each earned First Team All-Conference honors in 2025. Poulson placed fifth at the MSC Championships, while Helferich followed in sixth.

Durrant and Crosby provide additional returning experience after both earned Second Team All-Conference honors. Durrant placed eighth at the MSC Championships before finishing 154th at nationals, while Crosby placed 10th at the conference meet and 205th at the NAIA Championships.

With a strong group of returners and a mix of newcomers, the Patriots look to extend their run of six consecutive Mid-South Conference championships and remain among the nation's top programs.

The Patriots are the lone Mid-South Conference team featured in the preseason poll, coming in at No. 11. Two-time defending national champion Taylor holds the top spot, while Milligan and Dordt round out the top three.

UC opens its 2026 campaign on Friday, September 4, at the IWU Twilight Invitational in Marion, Indiana.

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