For the first time in history, the NCAA Division I Women’s Cross Country National Coaches’ Poll features a tie at the top with NC State and Northern Arizona sharing the No. 1 spot heading into the 2024 season. Both teams received five first-place votes. Notre Dame, Oregon, and Washington round out the top five.

Here’s what you need to know:

– Coach Laurie Henes and the NC State Wolfpack are embarking on a quest for their fourth consecutive national title, which would match Villanova’s historic run from 1989 to 1994. NC State is bringing back four of their stars from last year’s national championship-winning team but will be without 2022 NCAA cross country champion Katelyn Tuohy, who turned pro following last year’s title.

– NAU, which entered last year’s championships as the unanimous No. 1, returns three key runners, including Elise Stearns, who placed fourth in the 2022 edition. NAU also bolstered its roster with the additions of Alysin Churchill (Florida State), Karrie Baloga (Colorado) and Hayley Burns (Coconino Community College) via the transfer portal.

– Notre Dame’s No. 3 ranking is its highest since 2003. The Irish, who finished fourth last year, return five of their top seven runners and have strengthened their roster with key transfers and promising freshmen.

– Oregon’s No. 4 ranking is its highest since 2018. Washington rounds out the top five, with all five of their scorers from last year returning.