NEW ORLEANS – Following a historic opening month that saw school records fall and national leads established, the Harding women's track and field team earned the highest ranking in program history, landing at No. 2 in the first NCAA Division II outdoor rating index of 2026.

The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released the rankings Tuesday, placing the Lady Bisons (254.43 points) second only to perennial powerhouse Grand Valley State. Harding sits nearly 35 points ahead of third-place West Texas A&M and remains the top-ranked team in the Central Region.

Elite Presence Across the Board

Harding's ascent to the runner-up spot is driven by a balanced attack across sprints, jumps, and distance events. The Lady Bisons currently boast nine performances ranked in the top 10 nationally, including a trio of No. 3 rankings.

Senior Josie Parks leads the distance charge with the No. 3 time in the 3,000-meter steeplechase (10:37.59), a mark that currently paces all of Division II. In the field, junior Ally Cheek is tied for No. 3 in the high jump (1.70m), while All-American Cadence Sansom holds the No. 3 spot in the pole vault (4.05m).

Sophomore Carly Tucker has been a primary engine for the team's points, ranking No. 6 in the long jump after shattering the school record with a leap of 5.97m. Tucker also holds the No. 17 national mark in the heptathlon.

National Top-10 Performers:

• No. 3 High Jump: Ally Cheek (1.70m)

• No. 3 Pole Vault: Cadence Sansom (4.05m)

• No. 3 Steeplechase: Josie Parks (10:37.59)

• No. 5 Discus: Hannah Omosigho (50.03m)

• No. 6 Long Jump: Carly Tucker (5.97m)

• No. 6 Triple Jump: Hanna Onufriieva (12.17m)

• No. 7 100 Meters: Jerlana Williams (11.58)

• No. 8 Triple Jump: Karyna Vehner (12.08m)

• No. 10 400 Meters: Tetiana Kharashchuk (54.48)

• No. 10 4x100 Relay: Totman, Williams, Gomes, Ngapout (46.43)

• No. 10 Javelin: Erika Konovalenko (46.63m)

The Lady Bisons' depth is further highlighted by freshman Hannah Omosigho (No. 5 in Discus) and Jerlana Williams, who holds top-25 marks in both the 100 and 200 meters.

Conference Outlook

Harding is one of two Great American Conference teams in the top 10, joined by Oklahoma Baptist at No. 8. The high ranking serves as a precursor to the GAC Outdoor Championships, which Harding will host in Searcy beginning April 29.

Up Next The Lady Bisons will look to solidify their national standing this weekend with athletes split between the Texas Relays (Austin), the Bobcat Invitational (San Marcos), and the Carl Kight Invitational (Nacogdoches).