Podium Watch ranks the top 25 returning Division 4 girls for the upcoming Ohio high school cross country season.
Division 4 enters 2026 with a deep mix of experienced seniors, emerging juniors, and sophomores whose spring performances suggest that the order can change quickly. Natalie Nixon, Naomi Sheesley, and Michaela Flora open the preseason in the first three positions, but the numbers show meaningful strength throughout the list.
Naomi Sheesley owns the fastest listed 5K mark at 18:38.94. Natalie Nixon produced the leading 3200 mark at 10:48.76. Anna Yeomans adds the strongest listed 1600 at 5:08.97. Those marks do not determine the ranking by themselves, but they show why this division should remain competitive from the opening invitationals through the state championship.
These are preseason rankings, not a prediction of the exact state championship finish. Cross country courses, weather, race tactics, health, and team goals can all affect an athlete’s time and placement. The purpose is to compare the strongest available evidence and identify the returning runners who enter the season with the best overall cases.
How the rankings were built
State championship cross country performance receives the most weight. Other verified 5K results come next, followed by 2026 track marks in the 1600 and 3200.
The list uses the OHSAA divisions for the 2026 season, so several runners competed in a different division during 2025. Track marks provide important context, but they do not automatically override championship cross country evidence.
Division 4 top 25 at a glance
| Rank | Athlete | School | Class | 2025 5K | 2026 track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Natalie Nixon | Ottawa Hills | Junior | 18:39.20 | 10:48.76 3200 |
| 2 | Naomi Sheesley | McDonald | Junior | 18:38.94 | 11:12.61 3200 |
| 3 | Michaela Flora | Newton Local | Junior | 18:40.13 | 11:14.44 3200 |
| 4 | Ida Estadt | Shenandoah | Senior | 18:54.18 | 11:15.14 3200 |
| 5 | Marlee Beacom | St John School | Senior | 18:45.40 | 11:17.54 3200 |
| 6 | Claire Bohman | Minster | Senior | 18:48.66 | 11:21.19 3200 |
| 7 | Elaina Borchers | Fort Loramie | Sophomore | 18:58.28 | 11:12.95 3200 |
| 8 | Colbie Strayer | Liberty Center | Senior | 19:01.51 | 5:19.59 1600 |
| 9 | Campbell Coyne | Seven Hills | Senior | 19:05.76 | 11:21.77 3200 |
| 10 | Anna Wiltshire | Summit Country Day | Junior | 18:56.69, D3 state | 11:41.92 3200 |
| 11 | Hadley Hudson | Archbold | Junior | 18:56.68, D3 state | 12:16.28 3200 |
| 12 | Julia Albright | Grandview Heights | Senior | 19:04.80 | 11:14.78 3200 |
| 13 | Aubrey Ritzler | Seneca East | Sophomore | 19:02.60 | 11:28.00 3200 |
| 14 | Mackenzie Edgar | Maplewood | Senior | 19:02.10 | 11:51.83 3200 |
| 15 | Kamdin Snider | Bellaire | Sophomore | 19:06.78 | 11:57.61 3200 |
| 16 | Adyson Fosen | Rittman | Senior | 18:58.29 | No verified mark |
| 17 | Emma Phillips | St John School | Senior | 19:02.20 | 12:21.12 3200 |
| 18 | Mandy Mark | Cedarville | Junior | 19:28.85 | 5:11.68 1600 |
| 19 | Annabelle Snyder | Rittman | Senior | 19:06.89 PR | 5:23.16 1600 |
| 20 | Joanna Topp | Minster | Junior | 19:33.27 | 11:32.43 3200 |
| 21 | Anna Yeomans | Ansonia | Sophomore | 19:40.15 | 5:08.97 1600 |
| 22 | Claire Stull | Newton Local | Senior | 19:58.03 | 11:23.65 3200 |
| 23 | Allie Tolle | Georgetown | Sophomore | 20:18.82 | 11:31.28 3200 |
| 24 | Olivia O’Hare | Miami Valley Christian Academy | Sophomore | 19:39.02 | 5:19.94 1600 |
| 25 | Molly Mullan | Ottawa Hills | Sophomore | 19:58.56 | 11:33.30 3200 |
The full countdown
25. Molly Mullan
School: Ottawa Hills
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 19:58.56
2026 track: 11:33.30 3200
Why she is ranked here
Molly Mullan combines 19:58.56 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:33.30 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 24th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 14th fastest among the 19 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. The depth of the division keeps her near the back of the preseason list, but the data still gives her a clear route to move higher.
2026 outlook
One strong early result could move her well above this preseason position. The clearest opportunity is translating her 11:33.30 3200 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
24. Olivia O’Hare
School: Miami Valley Christian Academy
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 19:39.02
2026 track: 5:19.94 1600
Why she is ranked here
Olivia O’Hare combines 19:39.02 from her 2025 state 5K with 5:19.94 in the 1600. Her 5K is the 21st fastest listed result, and her 1600 is the 4th fastest among the 5 verified 1600 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. The depth of the division keeps her near the back of the preseason list, but the data still gives her a clear route to move higher.
2026 outlook
One strong early result could move her well above this preseason position. The clearest opportunity is translating her 5:19.94 1600 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
23. Allie Tolle
School: Georgetown
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 20:18.82
2026 track: 11:31.28 3200
Why she is ranked here
Allie Tolle combines 20:18.82 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:31.28 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 25th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 12th fastest among the 19 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. The depth of the division keeps her near the back of the preseason list, but the data still gives her a clear route to move higher.
2026 outlook
One strong early result could move her well above this preseason position. The clearest opportunity is translating her 11:31.28 3200 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
22. Claire Stull
School: Newton Local
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 19:58.03
2026 track: 11:23.65 3200
Why she is ranked here
Claire Stull combines 19:58.03 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:23.65 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 23rd fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 10th fastest among the 19 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. The depth of the division keeps her near the back of the preseason list, but the data still gives her a clear route to move higher.
2026 outlook
One strong early result could move her well above this preseason position. The clearest opportunity is translating her 11:23.65 3200 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
21. Anna Yeomans
School: Ansonia
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 19:40.15
2026 track: 5:08.97 1600
Why she is ranked here
Anna Yeomans combines 19:40.15 from her 2025 state 5K with 5:08.97 in the 1600. Her 5K is the 22nd fastest listed result, and her 1600 is the 1st fastest among the 5 verified 1600 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. The depth of the division keeps her near the back of the preseason list, but the data still gives her a clear route to move higher.
2026 outlook
One strong early result could move her well above this preseason position. The clearest opportunity is translating her 5:08.97 1600 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
20. Joanna Topp
School: Minster
Class: Junior
2025 5K: 19:33.27
2026 track: 11:32.43 3200
Why she is ranked here
Joanna Topp combines 19:33.27 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:32.43 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 20th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 13th fastest among the 19 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. This placement rewards the strength she has already shown while remaining measured against athletes with a faster result in one of the two seasons.
2026 outlook
One strong early result could move her well above this preseason position. The clearest opportunity is translating her 11:32.43 3200 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. She still has another season beyond 2026, so this fall can establish both her current place and her long term ceiling.
19. Annabelle Snyder
School: Rittman
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 19:06.89 PR
2026 track: 5:23.16 1600
Why she is ranked here
Annabelle Snyder combines 19:06.89 from her 5K PR with 5:23.16 in the 1600. Her 5K is the 18th fastest listed result, and her 1600 is the 5th fastest among the 5 verified 1600 marks in this ranking. The 5K mark is a verified personal best rather than a state championship time, so the ranking balances its speed with the championship evidence held by nearby runners. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. This placement rewards the strength she has already shown while remaining measured against athletes with a faster result in one of the two seasons.
2026 outlook
One strong early result could move her well above this preseason position. The clearest opportunity is translating her 5:23.16 1600 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
18. Mandy Mark
School: Cedarville
Class: Junior
2025 5K: 19:28.85
2026 track: 5:11.68 1600
Why she is ranked here
Mandy Mark combines 19:28.85 from her 2025 state 5K with 5:11.68 in the 1600. Her 5K is the 19th fastest listed result, and her 1600 is the 2nd fastest among the 5 verified 1600 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. This placement rewards the strength she has already shown while remaining measured against athletes with a faster result in one of the two seasons.
2026 outlook
The next step is turning a strong returning profile into consistent top ten level racing against the deepest fields on the schedule. The clearest opportunity is translating her 5:11.68 1600 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. She still has another season beyond 2026, so this fall can establish both her current place and her long term ceiling.
17. Emma Phillips
School: St John School
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 19:02.20
2026 track: 12:21.12 3200
Why she is ranked here
Emma Phillips combines 19:02.20 from her 2025 state 5K with 12:21.12 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 13th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 19th fastest among the 19 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. Her cross country result carries more of the case, while the track mark provides supporting context rather than driving the placement. This placement rewards the strength she has already shown while remaining measured against athletes with a faster result in one of the two seasons.
2026 outlook
The next step is turning a strong returning profile into consistent top ten level racing against the deepest fields on the schedule. Her cross country evidence is already the stronger side of the profile, so maintaining that strength while adding more closing speed would raise the ceiling. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
16. Adyson Fosen
School: Rittman
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 18:58.29
2026 track: No verified mark
Why she is ranked here
Adyson Fosen enters the ranking with 18:58.29 from her 2025 state 5K. That is the 10th fastest listed 5K among these 25 athletes. No verified 2026 track mark was available, so the evaluation avoids projection and relies on what she has already proved over 5,000 meters. She is held in a measured position because several runners around her add strong spring evidence to similar cross country results.
2026 outlook
The next step is turning a strong returning profile into consistent top ten level racing against the deepest fields on the schedule. Her first few invitationals will be especially informative because there is no verified spring mark to show how much her fitness changed after cross country. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
15. Kamdin Snider
School: Bellaire
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 19:06.78
2026 track: 11:57.61 3200
Why she is ranked here
Kamdin Snider combines 19:06.78 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:57.61 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 17th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 17th fastest among the 19 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The two results tell a consistent story and give her a balanced profile across both seasons. She lands in the middle of a tightly packed section where small differences in state evidence, track development, and projection separate several runners.
2026 outlook
The next step is turning a strong returning profile into consistent top ten level racing against the deepest fields on the schedule. Because her cross country and track results are already well aligned, the biggest gain may come from consistency and championship race execution. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
14. Mackenzie Edgar
School: Maplewood
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 19:02.10
2026 track: 11:51.83 3200
Why she is ranked here
Mackenzie Edgar combines 19:02.10 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:51.83 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 12th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 16th fastest among the 19 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. Her cross country result carries more of the case, while the track mark provides supporting context rather than driving the placement. She lands in the middle of a tightly packed section where small differences in state evidence, track development, and projection separate several runners.
2026 outlook
The next step is turning a strong returning profile into consistent top ten level racing against the deepest fields on the schedule. Her cross country evidence is already the stronger side of the profile, so maintaining that strength while adding more closing speed would raise the ceiling. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
13. Aubrey Ritzler
School: Seneca East
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 19:02.60
2026 track: 11:28.00 3200
Why she is ranked here
Aubrey Ritzler combines 19:02.60 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:28.00 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 14th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 11th fastest among the 19 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The two results tell a consistent story and give her a balanced profile across both seasons. She lands in the middle of a tightly packed section where small differences in state evidence, track development, and projection separate several runners.
2026 outlook
The next step is turning a strong returning profile into consistent top ten level racing against the deepest fields on the schedule. Because her cross country and track results are already well aligned, the biggest gain may come from consistency and championship race execution. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
12. Julia Albright
School: Grandview Heights
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 19:04.80
2026 track: 11:14.78 3200
Why she is ranked here
Julia Albright combines 19:04.80 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:14.78 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 15th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 5th fastest among the 19 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. She lands in the middle of a tightly packed section where small differences in state evidence, track development, and projection separate several runners.
2026 outlook
A small improvement in consistency or peak 5K performance would move her directly into the leading group. The clearest opportunity is translating her 11:14.78 3200 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
11. Hadley Hudson
School: Archbold
Class: Junior
2025 5K: 18:56.68, D3 state
2026 track: 12:16.28 3200
Why she is ranked here
Hadley Hudson combines 18:56.68 from her 2025 Division 3 state 5K with 12:16.28 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 7th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 18th fastest among the 19 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. She recorded the cross country result in Division 3 during 2025 and now enters Division 4 under the new assignments. Her cross country result carries more of the case, while the track mark provides supporting context rather than driving the placement. She lands in the middle of a tightly packed section where small differences in state evidence, track development, and projection separate several runners.
2026 outlook
A small improvement in consistency or peak 5K performance would move her directly into the leading group. Her cross country evidence is already the stronger side of the profile, so maintaining that strength while adding more closing speed would raise the ceiling. She still has another season beyond 2026, so this fall can establish both her current place and her long term ceiling.
10. Anna Wiltshire
School: Summit Country Day
Class: Junior
2025 5K: 18:56.69, D3 state
2026 track: 11:41.92 3200
Why she is ranked here
Anna Wiltshire combines 18:56.69 from her 2025 Division 3 state 5K with 11:41.92 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 8th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 15th fastest among the 19 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. She recorded the cross country result in Division 3 during 2025 and now enters Division 4 under the new assignments. Her cross country result carries more of the case, while the track mark provides supporting context rather than driving the placement. The combination is strong enough for the top ten because she has credible evidence in both championship cross country and spring track.
2026 outlook
A small improvement in consistency or peak 5K performance would move her directly into the leading group. Her cross country evidence is already the stronger side of the profile, so maintaining that strength while adding more closing speed would raise the ceiling. She still has another season beyond 2026, so this fall can establish both her current place and her long term ceiling.
9. Campbell Coyne
School: Seven Hills
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 19:05.76
2026 track: 11:21.77 3200
Why she is ranked here
Campbell Coyne combines 19:05.76 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:21.77 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 16th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 9th fastest among the 19 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. The combination is strong enough for the top ten because she has credible evidence in both championship cross country and spring track.
2026 outlook
A small improvement in consistency or peak 5K performance would move her directly into the leading group. The clearest opportunity is translating her 11:21.77 3200 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
8. Colbie Strayer
School: Liberty Center
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 19:01.51
2026 track: 5:19.59 1600
Why she is ranked here
Colbie Strayer combines 19:01.51 from her 2025 state 5K with 5:19.59 in the 1600. Her 5K is the 11th fastest listed result, and her 1600 is the 3rd fastest among the 5 verified 1600 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. The combination is strong enough for the top ten because she has credible evidence in both championship cross country and spring track.
2026 outlook
A small improvement in consistency or peak 5K performance would move her directly into the leading group. The clearest opportunity is translating her 5:19.59 1600 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
7. Elaina Borchers
School: Fort Loramie
Class: Sophomore
2025 5K: 18:58.28
2026 track: 11:12.95 3200
Why she is ranked here
Elaina Borchers combines 18:58.28 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:12.95 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 9th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 3rd fastest among the 19 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The spring performance is the strongest upward signal in her profile, suggesting that her next cross country best could look much different from the current 5K result. The combination is strong enough for the top ten because she has credible evidence in both championship cross country and spring track.
2026 outlook
She enters the season with a realistic path to the state podium and enough evidence to challenge the runners currently placed ahead of her. The clearest opportunity is translating her 11:12.95 3200 fitness into a faster and more consistent 5K. She also has two full high school seasons remaining, giving her one of the largest development windows in the ranking.
6. Claire Bohman
School: Minster
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 18:48.66
2026 track: 11:21.19 3200
Why she is ranked here
Claire Bohman combines 18:48.66 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:21.19 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 5th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 8th fastest among the 19 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The two results tell a consistent story and give her a balanced profile across both seasons. The combination is strong enough for the top ten because she has credible evidence in both championship cross country and spring track.
2026 outlook
She enters the season with a realistic path to the state podium and enough evidence to challenge the runners currently placed ahead of her. Because her cross country and track results are already well aligned, the biggest gain may come from consistency and championship race execution. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
5. Marlee Beacom
School: St John School
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 18:45.40
2026 track: 11:17.54 3200
Why she is ranked here
Marlee Beacom combines 18:45.40 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:17.54 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 4th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 7th fastest among the 19 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The two results tell a consistent story and give her a balanced profile across both seasons. That overall body of work belongs in the leading group, even though the order will need to be settled through head to head racing.
2026 outlook
She enters the season with a realistic path to the state podium and enough evidence to challenge the runners currently placed ahead of her. Because her cross country and track results are already well aligned, the biggest gain may come from consistency and championship race execution. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
4. Ida Estadt
School: Shenandoah
Class: Senior
2025 5K: 18:54.18
2026 track: 11:15.14 3200
Why she is ranked here
Ida Estadt combines 18:54.18 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:15.14 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 6th fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 6th fastest among the 19 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The two results tell a consistent story and give her a balanced profile across both seasons. That overall body of work belongs in the leading group, even though the order will need to be settled through head to head racing.
2026 outlook
She enters the season with a realistic path to the state podium and enough evidence to challenge the runners currently placed ahead of her. Because her cross country and track results are already well aligned, the biggest gain may come from consistency and championship race execution. As a senior, she has the experience to manage tactical races and the urgency to turn her strongest fitness into a complete postseason run.
3. Michaela Flora
School: Newton Local
Class: Junior
2025 5K: 18:40.13
2026 track: 11:14.44 3200
Why she is ranked here
Michaela Flora combines 18:40.13 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:14.44 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 3rd fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 4th fastest among the 19 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The two results tell a consistent story and give her a balanced profile across both seasons. That overall body of work belongs in the leading group, even though the order will need to be settled through head to head racing.
2026 outlook
She begins the year as a clear individual title contender, and every major head to head result will help define the top of the division. Because her cross country and track results are already well aligned, the biggest gain may come from consistency and championship race execution. She still has another season beyond 2026, so this fall can establish both her current place and her long term ceiling.
2. Naomi Sheesley
School: McDonald
Class: Junior
2025 5K: 18:38.94
2026 track: 11:12.61 3200
Why she is ranked here
Naomi Sheesley combines 18:38.94 from her 2025 state 5K with 11:12.61 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 1st fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 2nd fastest among the 19 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The two results tell a consistent story and give her a balanced profile across both seasons. That overall body of work belongs in the leading group, even though the order will need to be settled through head to head racing.
2026 outlook
She begins the year as a clear individual title contender, and every major head to head result will help define the top of the division. Because her cross country and track results are already well aligned, the biggest gain may come from consistency and championship race execution. She still has another season beyond 2026, so this fall can establish both her current place and her long term ceiling.
1. Natalie Nixon
School: Ottawa Hills
Class: Junior
2025 5K: 18:39.20
2026 track: 10:48.76 3200
Why she is ranked here
Natalie Nixon combines 18:39.20 from her 2025 state 5K with 10:48.76 in the 3200. Her 5K is the 2nd fastest listed result, and her 3200 is the 1st fastest among the 19 verified 3200 marks in this ranking. The two results tell a consistent story and give her a balanced profile across both seasons. That overall body of work belongs in the leading group, even though the order will need to be settled through head to head racing.
2026 outlook
She begins the year as a clear individual title contender, and every major head to head result will help define the top of the division. Because her cross country and track results are already well aligned, the biggest gain may come from consistency and championship race execution. She still has another season beyond 2026, so this fall can establish both her current place and her long term ceiling.
What could change this ranking
The largest early season questions involve athletes whose spring track performances suggest a major 5K breakthrough, younger runners who may improve rapidly, and runners entering a new division through realignment.
Head to head invitationals will matter more than isolated times because they allow the leading runners to compete on the same course under the same conditions. Early results will also show which athletes carried their spring fitness through the summer.
Natalie Nixon begins at number one, but Naomi Sheesley, Michaela Flora, Ida Estadt, Marlee Beacom, Claire Bohman, Elaina Borchers, Colbie Strayer, Campbell Coyne, Anna Wiltshire all have evidence that supports a place near the front. Division 4 should produce a deep and unpredictable individual race when the postseason arrives.
Data note
Cross country marks are the 2025 state championship times or verified personal bests provided to Podium Watch. Track marks are from the 2026 outdoor season.
Rankings may be updated when new verified results become available.
