Head Coach:
Mark Van Alstyne (2nd Year)

Last Year:

9th ACC 

7th Southeast Region

No NCAA

 

Probable Top Five:

SR Annie Lehardy (4:21 1500m; 9:16 3k; 16:06 5k; 34:53 10k; 25th NCAA XC '13)

JR Lianne Farber (4:14 1500m; 9:27 3k; 16:07 5k; 40th NCAA XC '12)

SR Lizzy Whelan (2:05 800m; 4:15 1500m)

FR Caroline Alcorta (4:44 1600m; 10:11 2 Mile; 2x Footlocker, 3rd, 16th)

SR Karley Rempel (4:21 1500m, 9:51 3k)

 

Impact Freshman/Recruits:

Caroline Alcorta - West Springfield, VA (4:44 1600m; 10:11 2 Mile; 2x Footlocker 3rd, 16th )

Josette Norris - Tenafly, NJ (4:41 1600m; 10:25 3200m)

Hannah Christen - Lake Braddock, VA (4:53 1600m; 10:26 2 Mile; 21st Footlocker '13, 63rd NXN '12)

Blake Dodge - West Carteret, NC (4:59 1600m; 2:07 800m)

 
Analysis:

Since North Carolina’s women were only 9th in the ACC last year and didn’t make the big meet, why are they ranked 8th in our preseason poll?

First, of all, the ACC is brutal, and their 7th in the Region meet was a better example of
their potential. Their track times from last spring showed marked improvement and bodes well for their fall campaign. For example, they have 4 returnees who have run 4:21 or better for 1500m. Senior Annie Lehardy was 25th last year and should be the best of this year’s team as well. Junior Lianne Farber was 40th in the 2012 race, and has 4:14 wheels as well. Senior Lizzy Whelan ran 4:15 so she is just a touch behind Farber and Karley Rempel managed a 4:21, so watch her improve on the grass.

Second, the youngsters will have an impact on the Lady Tar Heels depth. Top frosh recruit is Carolina Alcorta from West Springfield, VA, who ran 10:12 in her best two mile race last year and looks to really help Van Alstyne this season. Also, Josette Norris showed some nice ability with her 10:35 3200 and Hannah Christen will be in the hunt for a starting five spot with her 10:26 for two miles. She is also a top cross talent as she showed with a 21st at Footlocker Finals.

 

Van Alstyne is a proven recruiter and he has his Lady Tar Heels on the rise. This year is just a taste of what is to come. Beat this team while you can.

#8 Iona Men
#9 Butler Women