Follow our 2019 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top 25 cross country teams and individuals in the NCAA this season which will be LIVE on FloTrack. And, be sure to watch our LIVE FloXC Podium Reveal Show Monday, August 26th at 10 AM CT. The No. 24 women’s spot goes to Florida State, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

JR Jodie Judd (15:51 5K; 176th at ’18 NCAA XC)

SO Elizabeth Funderburk (16:14 5K; 33:31 10K; 8th at ’18 NCAA South XC)

JR Maudie Skyring (4:16 1500; 9:27 3K; 11th at ’18 South XC)

JR Lauren Ryan (16:26 5K; 20th at ’18 Big East XC)

FR Ava Peeples (10:34 3200; 19th at ’18 FL XC)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Lauren Ryan via Villanova (16:26 5K; 20th at ’18 Big East XC)

Ava Peeples via Dallas, TX (10:34 3200; 19th at ’18 FL XC)

Rebecca Clark via The Villages, FL (10:18 3200;  8th at ’19 Brooks 2 Mile)

Yasmine Abbes via Netherlands (4:23 1500; 9:38 3K)

Analysis:

Last year, the FSU Seminoles were a rookie squad celebrating their first NCAA XC Championship berth since 2014. After making waves with a team win in the NCAA South Region, Florida State placed 26th at nationals in what coach Kelly Phillips attributed to “lack of experience.” One year wiser, the Seminoles looked poised to break into the nation’s top 25.

Despite losing All-American Militsa Mircheva to graduation, FSU returns four All-South Region runners in Elizabeth Funderburk, Maudia Skyring, Megan Mooney and Jodie Judd. Judd, in particular, could be ready for a big year after health issues hampered prior seasons. The Great Britain native posted a 5K PR of 15:51.67 at the European U23 Championships this summer.

A quartet of strong newcomers will look to make an immediate impact on the team, led by Villanova transfer Lauren Ryan. The Australia native is a multiple-time All-Big East performer in track and cross country and owns a PB of 16:26 for 5K. Incoming freshmen Yasmine Abbes, Ava Peeples and Rebecca Clark all have the potential to contribute right away.

FULL RANKINGS HERE