BURNSVILLE, Minn. - The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference released the 2023 preseason NSIC women's coaches' poll on Monday and Concordia-St. Paul was picked to finish 14th. 

The Golden Bears earned 38 points which was three points behind 13th place Southwest Minnesota State and 22 points ahead of last place Minnesota Crookston. 

Last season, the team improved its average time at the NSIC Championship by 1:00:0.15 seconds from the year before. This was the second-best improvement of any team in the NSIC. 

"As we embark on the 2023 season, we are thrilled to build upon the significant positive changes witnessed last fall. Our women's team experienced unprecedented unity, marking a transformative shift in the last 25 years. Cross country exemplifies the epitome of team sports, and it's truly heartwarming to behold the camaraderie and support among our athletes. The genuine family-like atmosphere they've cultivated bodes well for a cohesive and harmonious team that will undoubtedly excel together. Embracing this season with enthusiasm, we understand that our pathway to success lies in harnessing the formidable power of a tightly-knit pack, where every individual's dedication contributes to our collective strength, propelling us forward," said head coach Jonathan Breitbarth, who enters his 26th season coaching the Golden Bears.

Kelsey Thelen was named the athlete to watch for the Golden Bears. The Farmington, Minnesota native was the top finisher for CSP at the NSIC Championships last season with a 91st-place finish. She was named CSC Academic All-District and NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence last season.

"Kelsey's personal growth has been truly remarkable, exemplifying the very essence of our program. As both an athlete and an individual, she has made significant strides, impressing us with her unwavering dedication. Notably, her leadership now radiates with a profound sense of purpose, as she fearlessly expresses the connection between her faith and running, inspiring the entire team. We eagerly anticipate the unfolding of her forthcoming season, expecting even greater achievements and accomplishments to come," Breitbarth said.

The Golden Bears return three of their top-five conference runners from last season. Makayla Harmer returns for her sophomore season after finishing 106th at conference and Tess Houglum returns for her junior season after placing 115th.

Concordia opens the season on Sept. 1 at the Augie Twilight at Yankton Trail Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The NSIC Championships this year will be hosted by UMary at McDowell Dam in Bismarck, North Dakota.

The two-time defending NSIC champion Augustana Vikings were picked first in the poll with 191 points and nine first-place votes. Winona State was close behind in second with 184 points and six first-place votes. Minnesota State with 167 points, Minnesota Duluth with 160 points, Sioux Falls with 142 points and UMary with 136 points rounded out the top six, which was 35 points above the rest of the NSIC. 

Winona State's Lindsay Cunningham was named NSIC Preseason Athlete of the Year. Cunningham won the NSIC and NCAA Central Region titles in 2021 and 2022. She finished second at nationals last season. 

This year's NCAA Central Regional will be held Nov. 4 in Joplin, Missouri while the NCAA Championships will also be held in Joplin, Missouri on Nov. 18.

Kelsey Thelen

• CSC Academic All-Region

• NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence

• Team's top finisher at the Central Region Cross Country Championships (175th) and at the NSIC Championships (91st)

• Set a personal-best time in the 6k of 24:34.6 at the Central Region Cross Country Championships

• Highest finish of the 2022 season was a team-high 53rd at the Bob Waxlax Invitational