KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced the results of its preseason coaches poll for the 2023 women’s cross country season.
 
Defending MIAA champion Pittsburg State tabbed the top spot in the 2023 MIAA preseason coaches poll with a total of 139 points and the majority first place votes. The Gorillas have won four of the last five MIAA postseason championships and are picked to finish at the top of the league again in the 2023 season.
 
Nebraska Kearney was picked No. 2 in the poll with 130 total points and one first place selection. The Lopers were the runners-up at the 2022 MIAA Championship after winning the program’s first league title in 2021.
 
Northwest Missouri came in at No. 3 with 115 points and Rogers State sits at No. 4 with 108 points. Missouri Southern collected the remaining first place votes and totaled 104 points to conclude the coaches top-five.
 
Also collecting over 100 points in the 2023 preseason coaches poll was Fort Hays State, just two points behind the Lions at No. 6 with 102 points. Central Missouri was picked No. 7 with 73 points, Missouri Western finished No. 8 with 66 points and Washburn totaled 60 points to occupy the No. 9 spot. Emporia State was selected No. 10, Newman No. 11, Central Oklahoma No. 12 and Lincoln No. 13.
 
The 2023 MIAA cross country season is set to begin Friday, Sept. 1. All roads lead to the 2023 MIAA Cross Country Championships, which are set for Friday, Oct. 20 in Columbia, Mo. 
 
To see the full schedule 2023 of MIAA women’s cross country contests, click here.
 
2023 MIAA Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Pittsburg State (10) – 139 points
2. Nebraska Kearney (1) – 130 points
3. Northwest Missouri – 115 points
4. Rogers State – 108 points
5. Missouri Southern (2) – 104 points
6. Fort Hays State – 102 points
7. Central Missouri – 73 points
8. Missouri Western – 66 points
9. Washburn – 60 points
10. Emporia State – 48 points
11. Newman – 34 points
12. Central Oklahoma – 23 points
13. Lincoln – 12 points