BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Mississippi College women's cross country team has been projected to finish second in the 2024 Gulf South Conference (GSC) Women's Cross Country Preseason Poll, as voted on by the league's head coaches.

The Lady Choctaws garnered 109 points overall and secured one first-place vote, signaling high expectations for the upcoming season. Lee University, the reigning GSC champion, was unanimously selected as the favorite for the ninth consecutive season, receiving all 11 possible first-place votes and tallying 121 points. Lee will be aiming for their eighth straight GSC title, a streak dating back to 2017.

Alabama Huntsville was picked to finish third with 102 points, while Auburn Montgomery (81 points) was projected fourth. West Florida and Union tied for fifth with 79 points each, showcasing a competitive middle pack in this year's poll. Rounding out the poll are Christian Brothers at seventh, Montevallo at eighth, Trevecca Nazarene at ninth, Valdosta State at tenth, Delta State at eleventh, and West Alabama at twelfth.

This year marks the 42nd season of women's cross country in the Gulf South Conference, with the 2024 season set to be the first for Trevecca Nazarene as a GSC member. The GSC women's cross country season kicks off on Friday, Sept. 6, with six teams competing in the opening weekend. The season will culminate in the GSC Women's Cross Country Championship on October 26 at Freedom Park in Valdosta, Ga.

GSC Women's Cross Country Coaches Preseason Poll
First-place votes in parenthesis ( )
1. Lee (11) – 121 points
2. Mississippi College (1) – 109 points
3. Alabama Huntsville – 102 points
4. Auburn Montgomery – 81 points
t5. West Florida – 79 points
t5. Union – 79 points
7. Christian Brothers – 57 points
8. Montevallo – 55 points
9. Trevecca Nazarene – 45 points
10. Valdosta State – 34 points
11. Delta State – 16 points
12. West Alabama - 14 points