An adage states there is strength in numbers, but coach Garrett Young and his women's cross country team believe there can be strength in limited numbers as well.

Young, who is in his fifth season, is optimistic about the 2026 season despite having a smaller squad.

"There's a lot of talent, potentially a better (NAIA) national placing squad than the last two years in which both finished top 15 in the country," he said. "We're a little bit thin on the depth side, but as long as everyone stays healthy and progresses along the course of the season, I would have some pretty high hopes for this group."

Kansas Wesleyan won the Kansas Conference Championship last fall – their first since 2013 – and placed 15th in the field of 36 at the NAIA Championship in Tallahassee, Fla.

Young's optimism is based on the return of four veteran runners who have had considerable success toeing the line for the Coyotes. Senior All-American Kirstin Hackney leads the way after placing third in the KCAC and 40th in the NAIA in 2025. Junior Micah Dickens was ninth in the conference race, junior Hailey Nordus 15th and junior Makayla Little 18th. All three are back.

The Coyotes were ranked No. 18 in the NAIA Preseason Poll released last week. 

There's solid competition for the fifth spot in juniors Mya Schweitzer and Emma McAlister, and freshmen Libby Gutkowski and Mia Oliver.

"It's a small squad and we recognize that," Young said. "But if all cylinders are firing, I think we've got more top end ability, I think we're a lot more dangerous one through four than we were last year."

Young said the key will be the improvement of the second group.

"We're going to be working to get that second pack closer to the first," he said. "I think we're really solid at that top end but helping girls come along from that second wave will probably be the biggest piece."

Young said the usual suspects will contend for the conference crown November 6 in Springfield, Mo.

"Evangel should be fairly decent," he said. "Saint Mary is going to have a younger squad, but they always find a way. They were a top 10 team in the country last year."

Young will be assisted by Rylan Brown along with track and field/cross country program director Kyle Hiser.

The Coyotes open the season at the Terry Masterson Twilight Classic on August 27 in Hutchinson.