Photo by: Rey Del Rio/Northwestern Athletics
‘Cats Debut At No. 25 In USTFCCCA National Cross Country Poll
9/16/2025 2:30:00 PM | Women's Cross Country & Track
Northwestern has opened season with back-to-back team and individual victories
EVANSTON, Ill. (September 16, 2025) – After winning a pair of team titles in dominant fashion to begin the 2025 season, Northwestern cross country is ranked No. 25 in the first United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) National Coaches' Poll of the regular season, which was announced by the organization on Tuesday.
This marks the second time in as many seasons that head coach Jill Miller has piloted Northwestern to a spot in the national rankings. The 'Cats are one of seven Big Ten Conference teams inside the top 25, a group headlined by No. 2 Oregon.
Northwestern has opened the year with two comprehensive all-around performances, sweeping the team and individual titles at back-to-back events. Led by individual medalist Ava Criniti, the Wildcats defeated No. 14 Oklahoma State by 26 points for the team crown at the season-opening Cowboy Preview on August 29. Miller's crew followed up that showing by finishing 71 points clear of No. 17 Michigan State at the Big Ten Preview on September 12, with Ava Earl placing first overall.
Northwestern will be back in action on Friday, October 3, competing close to home at the Loyola Lakefront Invitational at Montrose Harbor in Chicago, Ill.
On the Rise ??
— Northwestern Athletics (@NU_Sports) September 16, 2025
Northwestern has debuted at No. 25 in the @USTFCCCA National Cross Country Coaches' Poll ?? pic.twitter.com/9fIjVetSV3
This marks the second time in as many seasons that head coach Jill Miller has piloted Northwestern to a spot in the national rankings. The 'Cats are one of seven Big Ten Conference teams inside the top 25, a group headlined by No. 2 Oregon.
Northwestern has opened the year with two comprehensive all-around performances, sweeping the team and individual titles at back-to-back events. Led by individual medalist Ava Criniti, the Wildcats defeated No. 14 Oklahoma State by 26 points for the team crown at the season-opening Cowboy Preview on August 29. Miller's crew followed up that showing by finishing 71 points clear of No. 17 Michigan State at the Big Ten Preview on September 12, with Ava Earl placing first overall.
Northwestern will be back in action on Friday, October 3, competing close to home at the Loyola Lakefront Invitational at Montrose Harbor in Chicago, Ill.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
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