WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic women's cross country team was selected to finish fifth in the Sunshine State Conference preseason coaches' poll, the league announced Wednesday.
 
The Sailfish enter the 2026 season looking to continue their momentum after a historic 2025 season when the squad won its first NCAA South Region Championship in program history. 
 
PBA has a new look to the team after losing the top 4 finishers from last year's team. The roster still has several newcomers including, Erin Regan and Daisy-Mae Struk. This is the team's first season under new head coach Chris Lessard.

Tampa was picked to finish first with eight out of nine first-place votes. Nova Southeastern was picked second, receiving one first place vote. Embry-Riddle and Florida Southern were picked just above PBA who rounded on the top-five.
 
The Sailfish are scheduled to open the 2026 season at the Keiser Flagship Invitational on Sept. 4 in Boca Raton, Fla.