Follow our 2018 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top 25 cross country teams and individuals in the NCAA this season which will be LIVE on FloTrack. And, be sure to watch our LIVE FloXC Podium Reveal Show Tuesday, September 11th at 10 AM CT. The No. 10 women’s spot goes to Notre Dame, and here's why:

Probable Top Six:

JR Anna Rohrer (15:29 5K; 31:58 10K; 3rd at ‘16 NCAA XC)

SR Annie Heffernan (16:11 5K; 33:48 10K; 41st at ‘16 NCAA XC)

SR Rachel DaDamio (4:45 Mile; 16:07 5K; 96th at ‘15 NCAA XC)

FR Jacqueline Gaughan (4:52 Mile; 10:05 3200; 5th at '17 FL XC)

SO Annasophia Keller (4:48 Mile; 26th at ‘17 NCAA Great Lakes XC)

FR Elena Denner (4:49 Mile; 10:10 3200; 3rd at ‘17 CA State XC)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Jacqueline Gaughan via Exeter, NH (4:52 Mile; 10:05 3200; 5th at '17 FL XC)

Elena Denner via El Dorado Hills, CA (4:49 Mile; 10:10 3200; 3rd at ‘17 CA State XC)

Analysis:

With All-American stud Anna Rohrer on the shelf last fall, the Notre Dame women failed to qualify for NCAAs for the first time since 2010. But after Rohrer had a solid spring on the track in 2018 that culminated in a sixth place finish in the NCAA 10k, she’ll be expected to return to her elite cross country ability (3rd at NCAAs in 2016), which, when combined with an improved supporting cast, could transform the Irish into one of the top programs in the country.

Along with Rohrer, Notre Dame brings back two other highly experienced athletes who could garner All-American finishes as well. Annie Heffernan missed the top 40 by just one place at 2016 NCAA XC, and she should be in line to break through this year after a great spring on the oval. Like Heffernan, fellow senior Rachel DaDamio qualified for NCAA Outdoor for the first time in 2018 and ran a 16:07 5k PR in Eugene. She’ll be a sleeper to watch out for this season on the grass.

The Irish are young at their projected four, five, and six spots, but they aren’t short on talent. Top high school recruit Jacqueline Gaughan from New Hampshire was fifth at Foot Locker last December, and her 10:05 3200 from 2017 was the sixth best in the country that season. She'll contribute right away, as will fellow blue-chipper Elena Denner from California, who ran the 10th-fastest 3200 in the country in 2018 (10:10). 

Annasophia Keller had the second-best finish by a freshman in the NCAA Great Lakes regional last year (26th), and should take a leap in her second year in South Bend. If everyone runs up to their ability, this Irish squad will be incredibly deep and dangerous come November.

FULL RANKINGS HERE