women’s cross country
interested in
u.s. college cross country?
What to expect when competing in U.S. college cross country:
Fall Semester
- Cross country is a Fall sport, played in the first half of the U.S. school year.
- Meets are usually between early September and late November.
- You can expect approximately 5 cross country meets in an average season.
- As an individual sport, you will travel with the team but compete in different events.
Spring Semester
- The Spring semester is the off-season for cross country but student-athletes typically compete in track and field events.
- You can expect to practice a maximum of 8 hours a week during spring.
- As an individual sport, cross country schedules will feature solo or small group practices.
- Weight lifting and conditioning will be required in addition to technical training in preparation for the upcoming fall season.
Men’s baseball programs all over the U.S. participate under all governing bodies and divisions.
NCAA
The NCAA endorses three divisions of women’s collegiate cross country.
Division I
- Currently, there are 348 competing women’s teams in Division I cross country
- 18 full cross country scholarships are available per women’s cross country and track and field team
Division II
- Currently sponsor 301 women’s cross country programs
- 18 full cross country scholarships available per women’s cross country and track and field team
Division III
- Currently sponsor 425 women’s cross country programs
- Financial aid is available but is not considered athletic scholarship
NJCAA
The NJCAA endorses three divisions of women’s collegiate cross country.
- Currently sponsor 152 women’s cross country programs across three divisions
- 1o full cross country scholarships available across all divisions
NAIA
The NAIA endorses one division of women’s collegiate cross country
- Currently sponsor 214 women’s cross country programs
- 12 full cross country scholarships available per women’s cross country and track and field team