The Calvin University women's cross country team has been picked to finish second in the 2026 MIAA Preseason Poll released by the conference on Friday.
 
The Knights finished with 58 points and three first place votes while Hope sat on top of the standings with 60 points and five first place votes. Trine rounded out the top three with 51 points and one first place vote.
 
Last season under the direction of head coach Nicole Kramer the Knights finished third in the MIAA Championships before going on to take second at the NCAA Regionals meet. Calvin capped off their season with a 21st place finish at the NCAA Championships in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
 
Despite the graduation top performer, Sophie Bull the Knights return several key pieces from last year's squad including senior Hailey Erickson (Arlington Heights, Ill./Prospect) and sophomore Alya Holben (DeWitt, Mich./DeWitt).
 
Sophomore duo Brynn Ellenbecker (Itasca, Ill./Lake Park) and Emma Wierenga (Grafton, Mass./Whitinsville Christian) will look to build on last season after both cracking the top ten at the MIAA Championships. Junior Alexis Ball (Grand Rapids, Mich./Traverse City Central) will also play a key role in the Knights success this season.
 
The Knights will kick off their 2026 season on Friday, September 11th at the Spartan Invitational in East Lansing, Michigan at 9AM.