AAC Announces 2023 Women's Cross Country Runners to Watch List
August 30, 2023
WALESKA, Ga. - The 2023 Women's Cross Country Runners to Watch List is out, the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) announced on Wednesday.
Conference coaches each could submit up to three student-athletes who they anticipate will have an impact on their team this season.
There are several All-AAC honorees as well as a few newcomers. There is a former cross country national champion along with a few NAIA All-Americans returning as well as several national qualifiers. There are a few newcomers with the potential to help push the pack.
Here is the entire Players to Watch List.
| School | Name | Class | 2022 Top Times/Accomplishments | Reason to Watch |
| Brenau | Averie Akin | Freshman | 19:58 | Strong and consistent runner |
| Brenau | Gladys Blanco Choque | Freshman | 21:03 | Never raced below 3000 meters altitude |
| Brenau | Jaeva Ridley | Sophomore | Newcomer of the Year in Track & Field | Excellent 400 runner, devastating kick |
| Bryan | Riley Reinhold | Sophomore | 20:56 | Team leader |
| Bryan | Sarah Olsen | Freshman | 20:06 | Rising freshman |
| Bryan | Carissa Wilson | Sophomore | 20:42 | Young team leader |
| Columbia | Angeline Kravitz | Sophomore | AAC All-Freshmen Team | Narrowly missed on earning individual entry to nationals |
| Columbia | Addison Martin | Freshman | 19:59 (5K in high school) | Time trials project her time at 19:10 |
| CIU | Lydia Willhite | Senior | 19:23 at AAC; 19:51 at nationals | NAIA national qualifier |
| CIU | Rosemary Reed | Senior | 19:48 at NCCAA Championships | Finished spring strong in the 1500; very consistent |
| Milligan | Ellen Mary Kearney | Sophomore | 17:21 (5K); 2022 AAC Champion | Placed 9th at NAIA Championships |
| Milligan | Alyssa Bearzi | Grad Student | 17:24 (5K); 2021 NAIA Champion | Placed 18th at 2022 NAIA Championships |
| Milligan | Caitlin Dominy | Grad Student | 17:43 (5K); 2nd at AAC Championship Meet | 14th at 2022 NAIA Championships |
| Montreat | Dylan Garcia | Junior | 18:14 (5K); First Team All-AAC | Qualified for nationals in three sports |
| Montreat | Ali Ray | Senior | 18:39 (5K); All-Crossroads League | Transfer from Marian where she was their top runner |
| Montreat | Mahaley Cronk | Senior | 19:02 (5K); Second Team All-AAC | 3-time national qualifier |
| Reinhardt | Brooke Simon | Junior | 19:21 (5K) | 2-time national qualifer; top 20 finisher at AAC Meet |
| Tennessee Wesleyan | Molly Woodby | Junior | 19:59 (5K) | Top returner; continually improving |
| Tennessee Wesleyan | Ashlynne Brown | Senior | 21:53 (5K) | 1.5 years of healthy, consistent running |
| Tennessee Wesleyan | Victoria Verran | Sophomore | 20:48 (5K) at Royals Challange | Talented runner with a year of experience under her belt |
| Truett McConnell | Sarah Owen | Sophomore | 14th at AAC Championship Meet | Excellent offseason; poised for breakout season |