Boston College Places 28th in the USTFCCCA Preseason Poll

NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Boston College women’s cross country team earned No. 28 in the USTFCCCA Cross Country National Preseason Poll, as announced Tuesday afternoon. The women are seventh among ACC schools and first in the Northeast Region.

The women earned their third straight national ranking, the longest streak since 2014.

Boston College’s 2025 campaign was highlighted by its first NCAA Northeast Regional Championship since 2006. The Eagles finished seventh at the ACC Championships before dominating the regional meet, placing all five scorers in the top 22 and securing an automatic bid to the NCAA Championships. Imogen Gardiner led the way throughout the postseason, finishing runner-up at the regional meet and earning All-Region honors.

The Eagles went on to place 29th at the NCAA Championships in Columbia, Missouri, marking their third consecutive NCAA Championship appearance. Gardiner paced BC once again, finishing 90th individually in 19:54.5. Following the season, Head Coach Pete Watson was named USTFCCCA Northeast Region Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year for the second time in his career.

Boston College opens the 2026 season on Friday, Sept. 19, at the John McNichols Invitational, hosted by Indiana State.