SEARCY, Ark. — The Harding Lady Bisons cross-country team was picked fourth in the 2026 Great American Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, receiving 94 total points and one first-place vote.

Defending champion East Central led the voting with 114 points and six first-place votes, followed by Oklahoma Baptist and Ouachita Baptist tied for second at 107 points. Under head coach Don Hood, the Lady Bisons aim to make a run at the program's fifth GAC title and 17th total conference crown.

Roster Breakdown & Key Returners

Harding returns a deep mix of veterans and rising scoring depth on its 26-runner roster:

• Dinah Winders (5th Year): A fifth-year senior anchors the squad following a career that includes CSC Academic All-District honors and top regional performances.

• Kaia Bieker (5th Year): A five-year contributor who provides valuable postseason experience at both the conference and regional levels.

• Jessica Chappell (4th Year): Paces the upperclassmen lineup as a proven top-10 conference finisher.

• Abigail Penick & Emily Driskill (3rd Year): Upperclassmen who consistently scored in the varsity top seven during postseason runs.

• Addison Lyles, London Morrison, & McKellee Pape (2nd Year): Returning second-year runners who gained key experience in the scoring pack as freshmen.

• Impact 1st Year Runners & Transfers: The roster features 11 newcomers, highlighted by international additions Risper Jepkosgei (Kenya) and transfers Nolo Magoro and Sharon Strydom (South Africa).

Championship Pedigree

The Lady Bisons boast one of Division II's premier championship traditions:

• 16 Conference Titles: 8 AIC titles (1986–1994), 4 GSC championships (2000, 2001, 2005, 2006), and 4 GAC crowns (2011, 2013, 2014, 2015).

• 14 NCAA DII National Appearances: Highlighted by top-10 national finishes in 2003 (5th), 2004 (9th), 2005 (6th), and 2006 (5th).

2026 Schedule

• Sept. 5: City Auto Memphis Twilight XC Classic (Memphis, TN)

• Sept. 11: 6th Annual Steve Guymon Invitational (Searcy, AR)

• Sept. 25: Williams Baptist University Invitational (Walnut Ridge, AR)

• Oct. 3: 25th Annual Live in Lou Louisville Classic (Louisville, KY)

• Oct. 10: University of the Ozarks Invitational (Clarksville, AR)

• Oct. 16: Arturo Barrios Invitational (College Station, TX)

• Nov. 7: GAC Championships (Enid, OK)

• Nov. 21: NCAA DII Central Regional (Sioux Falls, SD)