League coaches believe it will be a two-team race in SLIAC Women's Track and Field this year between Greenville University and Principia College. Greenville is still the overwhelming favorite to win a sixth straight championship. They picked up eight of the nine first-place votes and totaled 64 points in the poll voting. The team will be led by a trio of All-Conference performers in Alivia Clayton, Jazmyn Harmon, and Lainey Hicks. Clayton is a standout distance runner while Harmon and Hicks are two top jumpers. Norah Swinigan leads the team's group of middle distance runners with Madison Kaceicius competing in the hurdles. Also back are Katie Farrow, TyKiaza Valentine, and Raven Vance.
Principia received 57 points, picking up the lone remaining first-place vote. Sana Udoekong, one of just three athletes to take home both the indoor and outdoor Track Athlete of the Year in the same year, headlines the Panthers returners. The sophomore totaled seven medals last year; setting three conference records. Amarachi Ejimadu is another top notch sprinter while Sophia Green is the team's top distance runner. Hannah Myers is one of the premier jumpers in the conference, taking home gold in both the high jump and long jump last season while Kiara Smith and Ariana Williams add to their roster of jumpers. Danielle Vargas should make an impact in the middle distance events after a strong showing in cross country during the fall.
Finishing third on the poll is MUW with 47 points. The Owls finished 3rd in both the indoor and outdoor conference championships last season. They will have several experienced athletes competing once again, starting with distance runner Hannah Owens, who has won seven medals during her career. Arie'Onna McCollum and Brooklyn Kelley are two of the top throwers in the league, each winning silver last season while Kelley was named the Outdoor Field Freshman of the Year. Princess Lofton returns as well and will compete in the sprints and hurdles. Top newcomers include Ariella Jones, Cassidy Talley, Re'Niyah Irving, Destini Simmons, Jakayla Smith, and Temera Ross.
Webster University comes in fourth with 41 points. Top returners include Aissata Kamara and Cali Pavlisko while Violet Hill is among the newcomers looking to make a difference.
With 38 points is Spalding University. Eryn Ratacizak leads the list of returners for the Golden Eagles. The sophomore was named the Indoor Field Freshman of the Year after setting the conference record in the pole vault. Holly Higgs and Bessie Kelley have combined for three medals while Daisia Jones, Shyanne Hagan, Roslyn Stull, and Takeiyah Conn fill out the roster. Azra Sahingoz and Tiamane Alo are new to the program.
Lyon College totaled 29 points, putting them sixth in the voting. Lyon returns Lana Ballard and Samantha Love from last year's team. Ballard scored in the 400 meters last season while Love scored in the high jump. Brooklyn Collins was an All-Conference runner in cross country and will look to transition that to the track.
Westminster College received 20 points, good for a seventh place showing. The Blue Jays will rely on Makayla Cordes and Emma Braby, who both earned All-Conference honors last season, to bolster their team while Amber Dierling also returns. Among the new faces to watch will be Sadie Brandt, Riley Vogel, and Ellie Schisler.
Blackburn College picked up 15 points, for an eighth place spot. The Beavers will be a young team with head coach Noah Daum focusing on his group of newcomers. Among the newcomers expected to play a large role in fielding a team this year will be Mary Ahrens, Maya Bennett, and Kaitlyn Garland.
Eureka College was ninth with 13 total points.