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. 22 women’s spot goes to Indiana, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

SO Bailey Hertenstein (4:48 Mile; 9:33 3K; 127th at ’18 NCAA XC)

FR Sarah Schmitt (48th at ’18 Nuttycombe XC)

SR Lexa Barrott (4:50 Mile; 9:35 3K; 134th at ’18 NCAA XC)

FR Mikaela Ramirez (10:19 3200; 3rd at ’18 CA State XC)

SO Claire Hamilton (4:46 Mile)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Mikaela Ramirez via Chino Hills, CA (10:19 3200; 3rd at ’18 CA State XC)

Abby Green via Fort Wayne, IN (10:38 3200)

Gracie Sprankle via Powell, OH (10:39 3200)

Analysis:

The Indiana women lose their top two All-American runners in Katherine Receveur and Margaret Allen from the squad that placed 17th in Madison last year, but the Hoosiers look ready to rebuild for another top 25 berth. 

Likely leaders include redshirt freshman Sarah Schmitt, who placed 48th at Nuttycombe and ran 16:32 for 5k last year, and sophomore Bailey Hertenstein, 127th at NCAA XC in 2018 as the No. 3 runner. All-Region performer Lexa Barrott was 134th last year in her first showing at the championships. The X factor? She’ll be a senior this year. Mikaela Ramirez, who placed third at the 2018 California state cross country championship, could make an impact as a true freshman.

Save for Barrott, this is a young squad—which means a strong year could signal big things ahead for the Hoosiers.

FULL RANKINGS HERE