Full Breakdown
2025 NCAA DII Women’s Cross Country Regional Rankings – Week 5 Overview
10/15/2025, 3:34:25 PM
Current Rankings and Key Performances
The 2025 NCAA DII Women’s Cross Country Regional Rankings for Week 5 were released by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). These rankings reflect the results of recent competitions, including the Lewis Crossover held in Illinois, where teams competed in a national-caliber field ahead of the postseason. The rankings are determined by a single member coach in each region, who evaluates team performance based on past results and current season strength.
Atlantic Region
- Projected Automatic Qualifiers (AQs):
- No. 1 Davis & Elkins
- No. 2 East Stroudsburg
- Notable Performances: Kutztown improved to third after resting key runners and competing with four individuals at the DeSales University Cross Country Invitational.
Central Region
- No. 2 Nebraska-Kearney
- No. 3 Pittsburg State
- Notable Performances: Nebraska-Kearney rose to second after a strong showing at the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival.
East Region
- No. 1 Roberts Wesleyan
- No. 2 Southern Connecticut State
- No. 3 Jefferson (Pa.)
- Notable Performances: Jefferson secured third place at its home meet, aided by the return of key runner Natalie McFadden.
Midwest Region
- No. 1 Grand Valley State University
- Notable Performances: Cedarville achieved an impressive victory at the UAH Chargers XC Invitational, scoring 18 points.
South Region
- No. 3 Palm Beach Atlantic
- Notable Performances: Tampa excelled at the Lewis Crossover, finishing seventh and defeating several nationally ranked teams.
West Region
- No. 2 Stanislaus State
- Notable Performances: Chico State dominated the Lewis Crossover, winning by a significant margin.
Criticism & Opposition
While the rankings reflect current performances, some teams and coaches have expressed concerns about the subjective nature of the rankings, which rely on a single coach's assessment. Critics argue that this method may not fully capture the competitive landscape, especially for teams that may have rested their top runners during recent meets.
Official Statements & Responses
The USTFCCCA emphasized that the rankings are intended to provide a snapshot of team performance as they head into the regional championships scheduled for November 8. The organization noted that only USTFCCCA member programs are eligible for rankings, which helps maintain a level of competition among the teams.
What's Next
The next major event is the Regional Championships on November 8, where teams will compete for automatic qualification to the NCAA DII Cross Country Championships. Teams are expected to finalize their lineups and strategies in preparation for this crucial competition.
