BURNSVILLE, Minn. -- The Southwest Minnesota State University women's cross country team was selected to place 12th in the annual NSIC preseason coaches' poll released on Thursday.

SMSU sophomore, Madison Marco, was named an "Athlete to Watch" this season.

"Maddy comes off a great freshman season which included a SMSU record in cross country at 4,000 M," said SMSU head coach, Kirk Nauman. "In track & field she broke the school multiple times in the 3,000 M steeplechase including when she was the only freshman to place in the event at the NSIC Outdoor Track & Field Championships. She also anchored two school records in the indoor and outdoor Distance Medley Relays for SMSU. She is really excited to continue to pursue her goals as a sophomore."

SMSU opens practice on Aug. 26 and will have its first meet on Sept. 6 at the Augustana Twilight.

The NSIC Championship will be held on Oct. 26 at Souris Valley Golf Course in Minot, N.D.