The Xavier women's cross country team was voted ninth in the Southern States Athletic Conference's preseason coaches poll.

XULA, which is prepping for its first season in the SSAC, was projected to outperform three teams, but to finish behind traditional national power William Carey. 

2026 SSAC Women's Cross Country Coaches' Preseason Poll

1. William Carey - 144 (12)
2. UT Southern - 130
3. Blue Mountain - 116
4. Dalton State - 111
5. Mobile - 95
6. Loyola - 88
7. Faulkner - 69
8. Brewton-Parker - 51
9. Xavier - 43
10. Abraham Baldwin - 34
11. Andrew - 28
12. Thomas - 27

The Gold Nuggets will begin their season on Sept. 4 with an appearance in the Battle for New Orleans, hosted by LSU News Orleans.