IR TOP 50 GIRLS PRESEASON RANKINGS!

Our annual preseason rankings have begun! You have anxiously been awaiting our early look into the best high school cross country teams in Indiana...your wait is over! We will release 10 new teams each week, counting down to the preseason number 1 team! Who will it be? Where will your team rank? Check back frequently to find out!

#31 – Brebeuf Jesuit Braves

Brownsburg Regional #6

State meet history: 5 appearances (last in 2024), 1 podium finish (2017)

2025 Results:

Ben Davis Sectional: 2nd place (50 points)

Brownsburg Regional: 7th place (185 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)

Isabel Garcia (12) - 17:57 (11th place)

Annemarie Klingler (10) - 19:20 (47th place)

Madeline Bohley (10) - 20:25 (95th place)

2026 Outlook: The Braves return a roster easily capable of qualifying for Terre Haute. Brebeuf has a legitimate frontrunner in senior Isabel Garcia who was 27th at last year’s state meet and then finished sixth in the state meet over 1600 meters in the spring. Sophomore Annemarie Klingler showed progress in the spring. The rest of the Braves’ lineup is a mystery, and without a true feeder system it’s much tougher to project who Brebeuf could be bringing in this school year. A good freshman class could push the Braves to Terre Haute.

#32 – Brownsburg Bulldogs

Brownsburg Regional #7

State meet history: 3 appearances (last in 2023)

2025 Results:

Ben Davis Sectional: 3rd place (65 points)

Brownsburg Regional: 8th place (268 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)

Kendra Harless (10) - 19:30 (55th place)

Chloe Curry (10) - 19:33 (57th place)

Alyson Ewing (11) - 20:01 (76th place)

Brinley Yoder (10) - 20:13 (89th place)

Tenley Collins (11) - 20:22 (94th place)

2026 Outlook: The Bulldogs have been in the mix to advance to the state meet from the regional held on their home course, but have only done so once in the last three years. Last year’s team ran three freshmen and two sophomores in the regional and continued progression could make Brownsburg a contender to qualify for Terre Haute. Brownsburg has all the tools to be a perennial state meet team, and developing its current sophomore and junior classes will be the key to becoming just that.

#33 – Harrison (WL) Raiders

Brownsburg Regional #8

State meet history: 4 appearances (last in 2025)

2025 Results:

Harrison (West Lafayette) Sectional: 1st place (32 points)

Brownsburg Regional: 5th place (156 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 16th place (431 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)

Isabella Burgess (12) - 18:57 (32nd place)

Anna Felten (11) - 19:43 (65th place)

Sharon Schultz (10) - 20:00 (75th place)

Daria Lane (10) - 20:29 (97th place)

2026 Outlook: The Raiders have had their two best teams in school history the last two years, but they have been besieged by graduation and moving over the last two seasons. The numbers don’t have a very favorable opinion on Harrison’s chances for the third time in four years since the restructuring of the tournament that placed the Raiders on a much tougher path. Yet, Harrison is a well-coached group that had a great spring season and could have at least one frontrunner at the regional level. This isn’t a team that our committee (of one) is crossing off.

#34 – Kankakee Valley Kougars

New Prairie Regional #8

State meet history: 1 appearance (2008)

2025 Results:        

Rensselaer Central Sectional: 1st place (20 points)

New Prairie Regional: 7th place (243 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)

Jenna Walker (11) - 17:36 (2nd place)

Krista Sytsma (12) - 18:01 (3rd place)

Scarlet Skowronski (10) - 21:19 (106th place)

Ainsley Summers (11) - 22:26 (164th place)

Aubree Bristol (10) - 23:16 (195th place)

Dakota Mulyk (10) - 23:42 (219th place)

2026 Outlook: The Kougars enjoy enviable frontrunning with junior Jenna Walker and senior Krista Sytsma; the duo finished fourth and 12th, respectively, at last year’s state finals which was the second best pair in the state behind Carmel. KV was in the mix last year, ultimately finishing seventh at the regional, but the Kougars do graduate a key scorer. It was a small roster (just 8 participants) but a young one in 2025. With a big jump or two in performance from the supporting cast, KV could be in the mix for Terre Haute.

#35 – Bloomington North Cougars

Crawford County Regional #4

State meet history: 33 appearances (last in 2025), 4 podium finishes (last in 2007), 1 runner-up title (1982)

2025 Results:

Bedford North Lawrence Sectional: 2nd place (62 points)

Mater Dei Regional: 4th place (166 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 25th place (633 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Mater Dei Regional)

Lila Childers (12) - 19:09 (17th place)

Penny Eads (12) - 19:42 (36th place)

Piper Reed (11) - 20:45 (75th place)

Adelyn Walker (11) - 21:31 (97th place)

Lauren Thies (12) - 21:53 (120th place)

2026 Outlook: The Cougars seem a possible, if not likely, state meet team with five of last year’s seven returning from a team that qualified for Terre Haute. Seniors Lila Childers and Penny Eads are the likely top two for North; both qualified for the regional in track in their individual events, and the Cougars made it to state in the 4x8 relay as well. Sophomore Ana Lopez could help the Cougars’ depth after a solid freshman campaign on the grass that included running in the state meet. Senior Evie Peterson missed the tournament but was a pretty consistent scorer earlier in the season.

#36 - Heritage Christian Eagles

Brownsburg Regional #9

State meet history: Never qualified

2025 Results:

North Central (Indy) Sectional: 5th place (140 points) 

Brownsburg Regional: 10th place (296 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)

Charley Wolfrum (10) - 18:32 (20th place)

Olivia Peterson (12) - 18:55 (29th place)

Ellery Hobson (11) - 20:04 (78th place)

Claire LaBar (11) - 20:31 (100th place)

Ella Tryon (12) - 21:04 (127th place)

Chloe Thear (12) - 22:15 (185th place)

Lydia Pulliam (10) - 23:12 (220th place)

2026 Outlook: The Eagles have an interesting team heading into this fall. Last year’s group was the best in school history, by far, and ended as a surprising tenth-place finish in a very competitive regional. All seven of those participants return, including two individual state meet qualifiers. They’re still a longshot to making it to Terre Haute, but Heritage Christian should get help from at least one incoming freshman. If the Eagles can have three frontrunners at the regional level, that could give them a shot to advance, though our committee (of one) projects this regional to be a bit more open than the preseason stats suggest.

#37 – Cathedral Fighting Irish

Franklin Regional #11

State meet history: 11 appearances (last in 2015), 2 podium finishes (last in 2015)

2025 Results:

Mt. Vernon (Fortville) Sectional: 4th place (82 points)

Shelbyville Regional: 13th place (317 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)

Lorelei Zenil (12) - 19:41 (47th place)

Adalyn Bolin (11) - 20:01 (66th place)

Addison Field (11) - 20:04 (69th place)

Claire Farrell (10) - 20:40 (101st place)

Olivia McDaniel (11) - 21:18 (131st place)

2026 Outlook: The Irish have a pretty young team with a lot of returners from last year. Cathedral should be able to advance from the sectional, but the regional might be the most competitive in the state. This doesn’t project as a team close to advancing, though Cathedral consistently fields one of the bigger teams in the state. The Irish had 47 participants last fall in a school of just 1100 students. Cathedral does project to be more competitive a year from now, but the regional will be just as tough then as well.

#38 – Warsaw Tigers

Manchester Regional #6

State meet history: 14 appearances (last in 2025)

2025 Results:

Manchester Sectional: 2nd place (45 points)

New Haven Regional: 4th place (137 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 15th place (388 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)

Dani Rastrelli (10) - 18:47 (13th place)

Savannah Purdy (12) - 20:43 (72nd place)

Katie Robertson (11) - 20:52 (78th place)

2026 Outlook: The Tigers are on a six-year state meet streak and could make it seven straight despite bringing back just three of last year’s seven. Sophomore Dani Rastrelli continues a long legacy of Warsaw frontrunners in her family, and the Tigers are one of the deeper teams in the regional with seven individuals ranked in inccstats’ preseason list. Senior Matilda Granger made great strides in the track season and should help with scoring.

#39 - Fairfield Falcons

New Prairie Regional #9

State meet history: Never qualified

2025 Results:

Goshen Sectional: 2nd place (52 points)

New Prairie Regional: 10th place (273 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)

Layna Stoltzfus (10) - 19:20 (14th place)

Lyla Dennis (12) - 20:17 (54th place)

Lorelei Shirley (12) - 20:28 (64th place)

Julianna Hinkle (11) - 21:09 (99th place)

Macey Stutsman (10) - 23:21 (201st place)

Elliott Carl (10) - 23:54 (225th place)

2026 Outlook: The Falcons have never made the state finals, nor have they been particularly close as they are coming off the best season in school history. Six of those seven return, and sophomore Layna Stoltzfus has state meet experience after qualifying individually last fall. Realistically, Fairfield is one more solid scorer away from making a big push for the state finals. If the Falcons get that, this is absolutely a team that could challenge for a way out of New Prairie to Terre Haute.

#40 – Portage Indians

New Prairie Regional #10

State meet history: 21 appearances (last in 2023), 2 podium finishes (last in 1996), 1 runner-up title (1988)

2025 Results:

Chesterton Sectional: 4th place (109 points)

New Prairie Regional: 9th place (272 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)

Madilynn Fehlman (12) - 19:29 (20th place)

Kara Krapf (12) - 20:43 (75th place)

Aubrey Clouse (11) - 21:03 (94th place)

Arabella Sweeney (12) - 21:46 (130th place)

2026 Outlook: Portage projects at about the same level as last year’s teams with four of seven back, including senior frontrunner Madilynn Fehlman. Beyond her, junior Aubrey Clouse was competitive in the track season. Certainly, Portage will need to develop its depth to move from middle-of-the-pack to a contender to advance to the state meet, but a talented newcomer or two could really shift the trajectory of this team out of New Prairie.

#41 – Center Grove Trojans

Franklin Regional #13

State meet history: 7 appearances (last in 2011), 1 podium finish (2006)

2025 Results:

Shelbyville Sectional: 1st place (67 points)

Shelbyville Regional: 12th place (313 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)

Gretchen Meisberger (12) - 19:12 (29th place)

Evie Smith (10) - 20:29 (93rd place)

Lexi O’Barr (12) - 20:43 (103rd place)

Lily Hollars (12) - 21:10 (125th place)

Emma Karns (11) - 21:12 (127th place)

2026 Outlook: The Trojans bring back five from a team in the middle of the regional and could finish much higher this season, though they are undoubtedly in the strongest path. Senior Gretchen Meisberger was just short of qualifying for the state meet individually in cross country and had a solid track season, running 5:20 over 1600 meters at the sectional. Junior Emma Karns could be ready for a bigger role as well after showcasing improvement in the spring. CG could also get a big difference-maker as an incoming freshman as well.

#42 – Jasper Wildcats

Crawford County Regional #5

State meet history: 10 appearances (last in 2024)

2025 Results:

Jasper Sectional: 1st place (34 points)

Mater Dei Regional: 7th place (227 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Mater Dei Regional)

Molly Isaacs (12) - 19:34 (31st place)

Kate Kelly (10) - 19:41 (34th place)

Olivia Reckelhoff (10) - 19:48 (39th place)

Claire Buehler (10) - 22:09 (133rd place)

Reagan King (10) - 22:28 (148th place)

Addison  Seger (12) - 28:40 (243rd place)

2026 Outlook: The Wildcats missed the state meet last fall but look to be in a good position to make it back to Terre Haute with six of last year’s seven returning. Jasper doesn’t have a true frontrunner–the ‘Cats had three returners finish in the 30s at the regional with senior Molly Isaacs sneaking in to the state meet individually–and it doesn’t enjoy great depth. Still, this looks like a team capable of advancing to Terre Haute out of the southern regional, which would be Jasper’s fifth in the last seven years.

#43 – Fort Wayne Snider Panthers

Manchester Regional #7

State meet history: 6 appearances (last in 2005)

2025 Results:

New Haven Sectional: 4th place (113 points)

New Haven Regional: 9th place (298 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)

Georgia Leininger (10) - 19:27 (26th place)

Razan Musa (10) - 19:38 (36th place)

Maryssa Schaller (11) - 20:27 (61st place)

Seynae Mostella (11) - 23:52 (213th place)

Miranda Eifrid (12) - 26:19 (237th place)

2026 Outlook: The Panthers have an exciting trajectory, though it may be a team closer to a year away. Last year, Snider was led by three freshmen, including two that qualified individually for the state meet. Sophomore Georgia Leininger proved herself capable of being a reliable frontrunner, running 11:00 over 3200 meters in the track season and running under 5:20 for 1600 meters. The Panthers top four certainly form the basis of a team qualifying for the state meet out of Terre Haute. If Snider can solve its depth issue, this could be a team ahead of schedule this fall.

#44 – Batesville Bulldogs

Franklin Regional #12

State meet history: Never qualified

2025 Results:

Rushville Sectional: 1st place (34 points)

Shelbyville Regional: 9th place (279 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)

Ava Wade (10) - 18:19 (5th place)

Jayla Bedel (11) - 19:46 (53rd place)

Francesca Myers (10) - 20:49 (106th place)

Caitlin Raver (11) - 20:58 (113th place)

Paige Allgeier (12) - 21:16 (129th place)

2026 Outlook: The Bulldogs have a good foundation returning, led by sophomore Ava Wade who nearly finished All-State in cross country last fall. One of the stronger programs never to have made the state finals in cross country, Batesville looks to be a top contender for another sectional title and could be in the top half of teams at the regional level again. Wade should again provide strong frontrunnning, and junior Jayla Bedel is a reliable number two runner. The ‘Dogs should also get some help from the middle school program.

#45 - Huntington North Vikings

Manchester Regional #8

State meet history: 11 appearances (last in 2015)

2025 Results:

Manchester Sectional: 3rd place (72 points)

New Haven Regional: 8th place (249 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)

Alice Friesen (12) - 18:47 (12th place)

Addison Winter (10) - 19:38 (34th place)

Brooklyn Esslinger (11) - 20:28 (62nd place)

Libby Couch (12) - 20:34 (65th place)

Olivia Bolinger (10) - 21:39 (121st place)

Evie Graves (12) - 21:55 (132nd place)

Gwen Kiser (12) - 22:16 (147th place)

2026 Outlook: The Vikings have not qualified for the state finals in over a decade, but they look to be in the mix this fall. Huntington boasts two returning individual qualifiers, and senior Alice Friesen will be looking for a fourth appearance in Terre Haute to cap off her high school career. She has finished All-State twice in cross country and just missed the podium in the 3200 this spring, running 10:37 at the state finals. Her frontrunning paired with a talented newcomer or two could put the Vikes right in the mix to advance out of the Manchester Regional.

#46 – West Lafayette Red Devils

Brownsburg Regional #10

State meet history: 18 appearances (last in 2021), 8 podium finishes (last in 2018), 1 runner-up title (2012)

2025 Results:

Harrison (West Lafayette) Sectional: 2nd place (71 points)

Brownsburg Regional: 9th place (286 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)

Natalie Cuttell (12) - 18:52 (28th place)

Estelle Seymour (12) - 20:20 (92nd place)

Kaia Ursem (12) - 20:44 (111th place)

Emily Zhou (10) - 21:17 (138th place)

2026 Outlook: The Red Devils are on a bit of a drought from the state meet since the restructured tournament, and the path doesn’t get any easier this year. Still, this will be a competitive team with four of seven back from last year, including individual state meet qualifier Natalie Cuttell. West Lafayette’s three returners from the tournament behind Cuttell form the base of a competitive team, and the Devils should be able to count on sophomore Erica Rogers who was the team’s number two runner for much of the season before missing the tournament. This doesn’t look like a state meet team, but another top-ten regional finish seems possible.

#47 - Leo Lions

Manchester Regional #9

State meet history: Never qualified

2025 Results:

West Noble Sectional: 2nd place (91 points)

New Haven Regional: 10th place (321 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)

Rowyn Norris (12) - 18:35 (7th place)

Audri Bultemeier (11) - 20:37 (67th place)

Bella Weninger (12) - 20:47 (74th place)

Helena Kortenber (12) - 21:41 (122nd place)

Jaivanie Gould (10) - 22:03 (140th place)

2026 Outlook: The Lions return five of seven from a tenth-place regional team, including frontrunner Rowyn Norris in her senior year. With Norris’ single-digit points at the regional round, making a push for the team’s first ever state meet out of the least treacherous regional is not out of the question. To do that, Leo would likely need a mixture of substantial improvement from its returning line-up and incoming new talent. With that, the Lions could possibly contend for a trip to Terre Haute and without it then Norris is likely qualifying for her fourth individual state appearance in cross country.

#48 – Northridge Raiders

New Prairie Regional #11

State meet history: 26 appearances (last in 2021), 7 podium finishes (last in 2005), 2 runner-up titles (1993, 2002)

2025 Results:

Elkhart Sectional: 3rd place (88 points)

New Prairie Regional: 16th place (415 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)

Brayleigh Adams (10) - 19:33 (24th place)

Rebekah Miller (11) - 21:22 (110th place)

Natalie Gillette (12) - 21:23 (112th place)

Kloey Swathwood (12) - 22:15 (155th place)

Jade Snyder (12) - 22:37 (175th place)

2026 Outlook: The Raiders bring back the majority of a roster that finished in the back half of the regional, and Northridge figures to be more competitive this fall. Sophomore Brayleigh Adams should be a frontrunner for the Raiders; she qualified individually for the state cross country meet last fall and ran some solid races in track where she dipped under 5:30 for 1600 meters. Northridge’s depth doesn’t seem likely to push for advancement out of New Prairie, but the Raiders’ line-up should be bolstered by at least a pair of incoming freshmen, including one that may be able to race with Adams.

#49 – Corydon Central Panthers

Crawford County Regional #6

State meet history: 2 appearances (last in 2023)

2025 Results:

Crawford County Sectional: 2nd place (60 points) 

Mater Dei Regional: 6th place (205 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Mater Dei Regional)

Gilian Delong (10) - 19:41 (35th place)

Ella Taylor (11) - 19:50 (41st place)

Rachel Rowan (10) - 20:04 (48th place)

Abby Helms (10) - 21:35 (101st place)

Cara Broom (12) - 21:57 (126th place)

Evelyn Sevilla (11) - 22:06 (132nd place)

2026 Outlook: The Panthers have been consistently competitive the last few years, and that seems likely to continue this season. Corydon made its only two state meets in consecutive seasons then has missed the last two years. The roster coming back is close in terms of placement to make it to Terre Haute, though incoming freshmen will certainly throw a wrench into those projections; the Panthers should get one newcomer that will help with scoring, perhaps substantially, this fall.

#50 – Pendleton Heights Arabians

Franklin Regional #14

State meet history: 6 appearances (last in 2016)

2025 Results:

Noblesville Sectional: 8th place place (204 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Noblesville Sectional)

Anya Zoeller (11) - 17:47 (1st place)

Sadie Rauh (11) - 21:42 (44th place)

Emerson Tetrault (11) - 23:40 (53rd place)

Adalyn Eichhorn (10) - 24:20 (58th place)

Josephine Bell (11) - 24:26 (59th place)

Leni Rauh (11) - 24:27 (60th place)

2026 Outlook: This may be a bit of an overrating, given the Arabians’ returners, but Pendleton has a lot of security at the top of its lineup with the junior Zoeller who has been at the very top of the state since starting high school. Pendleton certainly does have some returning difference makers; senior Maddie Marsh was competitive but missed the tournament last fall while junior Sadie Rauh had a solid track season, qualifying for the regional in the 1600. While the Arabians absolutely could have one of the 50 best teams in Indiana, advancing from the most competitive sectional in the state will be challenging.