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. 12 women’s spot goes to Washington, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

SR Katie Rainsberger (9:01 3K; 16:07 5K; 19th at ’18 NCAA XC)

JR Lilli Burdon (8:59 3K; 15:34 5K; 33rd at ’18 NCAA XC)

FR Melany Smart (9:12 3K; 16:08 5K)

SR Kaitlyn Neal (9:21 3K; 16:16 5K; 31st at ’18 Pre-Nats XC)

JR Allie Schadler (4:14 1500; 16:21 5K; 102nd at ’18 NCAA XC)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Melany Smart via Australia (9:12 3K; 16:08 5K)

Andrea Markezich via Woodinville, WA (3200 10:43; 2nd at ’19 WA State 3200)

Makenna Schumacher via Portland, OR (4:57 Mile; 71st at ’18 NXN)

Analysis:

The Washington Huskies return a strong squad in 2019 that includes All-Americans Katie Rainsberger and Lilli Burdon, who made a huge impact last year after transferring from the University of Oregon. The duo have the potential to be one of the best 1-2 punches in the entire NCAA and lead a team that includes six of the top seven from last year’s ninth-place NCAA XC squad.

Australian junior champion Melany Smart, who owns PBs of 16:08 for 5K and 9:12 for 3K, could make an immediate impact in Seattle alongside Allie Schadler and Shona McCulloch, both of whom are returning All-West Region performers. 10K specialist Kaitlyn Neal raced just twice last fall, but is a talented contributor when healthy. She’ll be back this fall for her senior year.

FULL RANKINGS HERE