BURNSVILLE, Minn. - The Concordia-St. Paul women's cross-country team was selected 15th in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll. 

The Golden Bears earned 27 points in the poll, five points behind St. Cloud State in 14th. Concordia returns their top five runners from the Central Regional race last season. 

"We're excited about this year's women's cross-country team because we have a talented and dedicated group of athletes ready to make an impact," said head coach Jonathan Breitbarth. "With a strong returning core, we're building on last season's improvement and aiming for even greater achievements. Our athletes have shown incredible commitment in their training, and their camaraderie is creating a supportive team culture that drives everyone to excel. As we head into the season, I'm confident that our hard work will translate into strong performances on race day!"

Sophomore Maddy Bryant was named as the Player to Watch for the Golden Bears. Bryant ran a season-best 6K with a time of 24:05.7 at the NSIC Cross Country Championships during her freshman campaign last season. 

"Last season, Maddy led our team at the NSIC Cross Country Championships," Breitbarth said. "Her versatility is impressive, as she competes in multiple events in track and field, consistently achieving personal bests. With her strong work ethic and commitment to improvement, I'm excited to see how she'll elevate her performance this season and contribute to our team's success!"

Augustana was picked first in the poll with all 14 first-place votes (coaches cannot vote for their own team) finishing with 196 points. UMary was picked second with 179 points and the other first-place vote. Defending champ Winona State came in third place with 157 points.

Khot Juac of Sioux Falls was voted as the NSIC Preseason Athlete of the Year. Juac placed third at the NSIC Championships and fifth at the NCAA Championships. The Cougars were picked fifth in the preseason poll. 

The NSIC Championships will be hosted by Minot State on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Souris Valley Golf Course in Minot, North Dakota. The NCAA Central Regional will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9 in Joplin, Missouri while the NCAA National Championships will take place on Nov. 23 at Arcade Creek CC Course in Sacramento, California. 

Concordia-St. Paul begins the 2024 campaign under the lights at the Augie Twilight in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Sept. 6.  

Maddy Bryant (5-5, So., Ham Lake, Minn. / Blaine HS)

• Led the team placing 92nd with a time of 24:05.7 in the 6K at the NSIC Championships

• Her NSIC Championship race was the seventh-fastest all-time by a CSP runner

• Ran a team-leading race at the Central Regional placing 162nd

• Had the highest finish of any Golden Bear in a race placing 38th at the St. Olaf Invitational

• Placed 16th in the 10,000m at the NSIC Outdoor Track & Field Championships in May

• Part of a second-place distance medley relay squad at the Mark Schuck Open and Multi