CBU Women's Cross Country Earns No. 10 Preseason South Region Ranking
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Christian Brothers University women's cross country team will enter the 2026 season with regional recognition, earning the No. 10 spot in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) NCAA Division II Women's Cross Country South Region Preseason Rankings.
The preseason ranking gives the Lady Bucs an early opportunity to build momentum as they look to climb throughout the season. USTFCCCA regional rankings are determined by regional representatives who evaluate returning talent, roster strength and, once competition begins, current-season results.
CBU also enters the year ranked seventh in the Gulf South Conference Preseason Coaches Poll with 44 points. The Lady Bucs placed two runners on the GSC Runners to Watch list, with freshman Amira Benmerouk and sophomore Phoebe Steel representing CBU.
The South Region features programs from the Gulf South Conference, Sunshine State Conference and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, making the No. 10 ranking a strong starting point for the Lady Bucs heading into the new campaign.
Head Coach Bill Hoffman said the team is excited about the recognition but is focused on continuing to improve.
"We're looking forward to moving up the rankings," Hoffman said.
With a combination of returning experience and new talent, CBU will look to turn its preseason recognition into results on the course as the Lady Bucs begin their 2026 campaign.
