The Calvin University women's cross country team was picked first in the MIAA Preseason Poll released by the conference on Thursday.
 
Calvin finished atop the poll with 11 total points and five of a possible nine first-place votes. Trine University received three first-place votes and finished second with 15 points, followed by Hope College in third with 21 points and one first-place vote.
 
The Knights are coming off a strong 2024 season in which they won their second consecutive MIAA championship, took second place in the Great Lakes Regional and finished 15th at the NCAA III Championships to close the season.
 
Senior Sophie Bull (Denver, Colo./Denver Christian) returns after earning All-America honors in cross country, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field (including a national championship in the 3000 Meter Steeplechase), while Hailey Erickson (Arlington Heights, Ill./Prospect) and Alexis Ball (Grand Rapids, Mich./Traverse City Central) also took home All-MIAA honors in 2024. Alaina Smith (Sterling, Ill./Seoul Foreign School) and Naomi Dykstra (Grand Rapids, Mich./City) also bring experience to the 2025 roster under head coach Nicole Kramer.
 
"We have had an incredible preseason, filled with growing and learning as a team each day, both up at our team camp and on campus," Kramer said. "We are building plenty of momentum to build up at the right time, with key goals to stay healthy and compete for MIAA and Regional titles. This entire squad has been embracing pack running, and I can see our depth becoming a key factor as the season progresses. Sophie is our top returner, fresh off her national championship in outdoor track. She has shown that the sky is truly the limit!"
 
Calvin cross country will open the 2025 season on Friday, August 29, when it runs in the Comet Open at The University of Olivet.
 
2025-26 MIAA Women's Cross Country Preseason Poll Results:
1. Calvin University (11 points, five first-place votes)
2. Trine University (15 points, three first-place votes)
3. Hope College (21 points, one first-place vote)
4. Kalamazoo College (29 points)
5. Alma College (40 points)
6. Saint Mary's College (41 points)
7. Albion College (53 points)
8. Adrian College (56 points)
9. The University of Olivet (58 points)