Follow our 2019 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top 10 cross country teams in NCAA DII/DIII this season. The 2019 NCAA Cross Country Championships will be LIVE on FloTrack for all three divisions. And be sure to watch our LIVE FloXC Podium Reveal Show Monday, Aug. 26, at 10 AM CT. The No. 6 DIII women’s spot goes to U. of Chicago, and here's why:

Projected Top Six:

JR Sophie Elgamal (9:46 3K; 26th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

JR Emma Dyer (65th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

SR Maggie Boudreau (90th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

SR Claire Brockway (17:23 5K; 92nd at ‘18 NCAA XC)

FR Leah Ulrich (5:08 1600; 11:06 3200) 

SO Lucy Jeffs (204th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Leah Ulrich via Glencoe, IL (5:08 1600; 11:06 3200)

Caitlyn Jorgensen via Newton Square, PA (5:09 1600)

Analysis: 

Not since 2013 has the women’s team at U. of Chicago finished in the top four at NCAAs, but that will be the goal in 2019 as the Maroons return their entire top seven from last year’s 11th place squad.

Junior Sophie Elgamal is the clear No. 1 after placing 26th at NCAAs last November. She looks primed to take another step forward this fall on the heels of a third place finish in March’s NCAA 3,000m.

Chicago has three other women who placed in the top 100 in 2018, among them senior-to-be Claire Brockway, who showed huge gains on the track in 2019. A 17:23 5k PB shows she’s much better than 92nd at cross nationals.

The Maroons may need a freshman or two to step in order for them to reach their full potential, but with so much experience on the roster it may not necessarily be mandatory. A low stick, solid mid-tier runners, and plenty of candidates for improvement-- this team has all the pieces to be successful this year.

FULL RANKINGS HERE