The Shippensburg University women’s cross country team was ranked fifth in the 2026 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll released Wednesday.
East Stroudsburg was picked first after receiving 12 of the 16 possible first-place votes. Edinboro ranked second with three first-place votes, followed by Bloomsburg and West Chester. Bloomsburg and West Chester each received one first-place vote.
The poll is selected by PSAC coaches, who are not permitted to vote for their own teams.
Shippensburg is led by head coach Steve Spence, who enters his 29th season with the Raiders. SU finished seventh at the 2025 PSAC Championships after placing second in 2024.
The Raiders have a 19-member roster for the 2026 season, including 11 returning runners, seven first-year athletes and one transfer.
Three returning athletes have previously earned All-PSAC honors. Mya Trotty finished 11th at last season’s conference meet, Victoria Bartholomew placed 25th, and Ella Hartel finished seventh in 2024.
Shippensburg will open the season Friday, Sept. 4, by hosting the Galen Piper Cross Country Challenge at the campus recreation complex.
2026 PSAC Preseason Women’s Cross Country Poll
- East Stroudsburg (12)
- Edinboro (3)
- Bloomsburg (1)
- West Chester (1)
- Shippensburg
- Kutztown
- Slippery Rock
- Millersville
- Gannon
- Clarion
- Lock Haven
- California
- IUP
- Pitt-Johnstown
- Mansfield
- Seton Hill
- Shepherd
