2023 NSIC Women's Outdoor Track & Field Preseason Coaches' Poll

3/17/2023 11:00:00 AM

MINNESOTA STATE CLAIMS TOP SPOT IN NSIC WOMEN'S OUTDOOR PRESEASON COACHES' POLL

BURNSVILLE, Minn. - Minnesota State University, Mankato was picked to win the NSIC in the preseason women's outdoor track & field coaches' poll. The Mavericks received all 14 first place votes and tallied 196 points, ranking them ahead of second place Augustana University (181). Winona State was third with 160 and the other first place vote. Sioux Falls was fourth with 147 points while the University of Mary rounded out the top five with their 144 points. 

Minnesota State's Denisha Cartwright was picked as the preseason track athlete of the year while Concordia-St. Paul's Arika Robinson repeated as the preseason field athlete of the year. 

The 2023 NSIC outdoor track & field season gets underway this weekend with the regular season culminating on Thursday-Saturday, May 11-13 at the NSIC Championships held at Sea Foam Stadium, hosted by Concordia University, St. Paul. 

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Denisha Cartwright (Sprints/Hurdles, Jr., Nassau, Bahamas) - Minnesota State
  • Holds NSIC records in 100 meter hurdles (13.28) and 4x100 meter relay (45.24)
  • 2022 NSIC Women’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year and 2021 NSIC Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Newcomer of the Year
  • 2022 National and Regional USTFCCCA NCAA Division II Women’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year honoree
  • 2022 NCAA Division II Women’s Outdoor Track & Field National Champion in 100 meter hurdles and the 4x100 meter relay
  • Eight-time USTFCCCA Women’s Outdoor Track & Field First Team All-American (twice each in the following events:  100 meters, 200 meters, 100 meter hurdles, 4x100 meter relay)
  • Enters 2023 Women’s Outdoor Track & Field season with the following all-time NCAA Division II rankings:  sixth in 4x100 meter relay (44.29), 16th in 100 meter hurdles (13.28), and tied for 24th in 100 meters (11.46)
  • Two-time defending NSIC Champion in 100 meter hurdles and 4x100 meter relay
Already the most decorated athlete in MSU Track and Field History, Denisha looks to continue her career season outdoors and defend her National Titles in the 100 hurdles and 4x100m relay.
Head Coach Mike Turgeon
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Arika Harbo (Pentathlon/HJ/LJ, Jr., St. Paul, Minn. / Concordia Academy) - Concordia-St. Paul
  • 2022 Outdoor National Champion in the high jump and All-American
  • 2022 USTFCCCA Central Region Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year
  • 2022 Second Team All-America in the heptathlon
  • 2021-22 Indoor National Champion in the high jump
  • 2021-22 First Team All-America in the indoor high jump
  • 2021-22 Second Team All-America in the pentathlon 
  • 2022 USTFCCCA All-Region in the heptathlon 
  • 2022 NSIC Outdoor Preseason Athlete of the Year
  • Holds the school record in both the indoor and outdoor high jump
Arika had a stellar indoor season that included defending her NSIC Indoor conference championships in the High Jump and Pentathlon and a trip to the USATF Indoor National Championships. Arika is always up for the biggest challenges on the biggest stages, which is so fun to watch. It is a rare ability to be able to be at your best when the stakes are the highest.
Head Coach Sam Johnson

NSIC ATHLETES TO WATCH & COACHES QUOTE

AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY (2nd)

This years team has great balance both in senior leadership and youth, and also within the event areas. As a staff we are looking forward to watching this veteran leadership guide this very talented team to achieve the team goals set earlier this year.
Head Coach Tracy Hellman
PJ has always stepped up for our team when it is needed. She fights through adversity and motivates her team to achieve their goals. We know that she will be ready for the challenges with the NSIC to lead the Vikings to another successful season.
Head Coach Tracy Hellman
Kylee continues to put in the work. She is motivated by both her teammates and competitors to succeed. She has a strong desire to improve and is always putting in extra time to make her dreams a reality. She leads a talented group of multi-eventers at Augustana to compete with a very strong NSIC contingent.
Head Coach Tracy Hellman

BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY (12th)

This team really embraced the ''tiny but mighty'' mantra this past indoor season and it was fun to see a plan workout. The thing that really excites me with this team heading to the outdoor season is there drive and passion for the sport. The younger athletes are buying into the new team culture and everyone is helping build a new foundation for the program. Even with setting new records every week this team never settles and always strives for more.
Head Coach Michael Lynch
Mary is entering this 2023 outdoor season is looking to build off her indoor success. Goodwin this past indoor season broke the school record in the mile along with the 3k. She was also part of the DMR team which set a school record and hit a provisional mark this past season. Goodwin is always willing to help this team out in any way she can. Mary is looking to build off the success she had this past indoor season with running the running the steeple this outdoor. She has big goals for this outdoor season in the steeple!
Head Coach Michael Lynch
Tierra is entering the 2023 outdoor track and field season as a two-time NCAA provisional qualifier in the indoor shot put and BSU school record holder in the indoor and outdoor discus. Only starting to focus on the discus last year, Tierra has broken the BSU discus record in every competition from April to the NSIC Championships last May and continued the trend by setting the indoor record in January. Tierra has also had her most consistent season in the indoor shot put, and she hopes to continue that form this outdoor season.
Head Coach Michael Lynch

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, ST. PAUL (8)

We hope to sustain the momentum of a positive championship experience at the end of the indoor season while still recognizing that outdoor championships are two months away. There are training groups that sacrificed spring break trips to stay near campus and train, so we are excited to see that dedication pay off.
Head Coach Sam Johnson
Sydney had a breakout indoor season in which she broke the school record in the 400m Dash and garnered All-NSIC status by finishing 3rd in the 600m at the NSIC Indoor Championships. With renewed confidence and momentum coming out of the indoor season, we are excited about what outdoor season may bring for Sydney.
Head Coach Sam Johnson
Arika had a stellar indoor season that included defending her NSIC Indoor conference championships in the High Jump and Pentathlon and a trip to the USATF Indoor National Championships. Arika is always up for the biggest challenges on the biggest stages, which is so fun to watch. It is a rare ability to be able to be at your best when the stakes are the highest.
Head Coach Sam Johnson

UNIVERSITY OF MARY (5th)

Outdoor we look to position ourselves well with the new events and get everyone healthy. We have a lot of chances at national marks and big finishes at the conference meet. It will be a fun year after a good indoor meet where the team scores ten more points than projected.
Head Coach Cale Korbelik
Morgan came close to nationals last year in the 400mh and after running a two-second personal best in the 400m this past indoor I think she can do some real damage in the 400mh and make a run at nationals and maybe more. She makes the event looks easy and she isn't afraid. That is what makes her a force in the event.
Head Coach Cale Korbelik
Arianna couldn't of finished indoors better with four school record jumps at the conference meet. National mark in the 60m and being #2 in the country in the long jump. The 100m is a better event for her and we look to see her blossom even more. She will be a leader for the team on the relay as well. She is just scratching the surface of her potential.
Head Coach Cale Korbelik

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH (6th)

Our women's group has a lot of young talent and had quite a few newcomers to the championships that were just outside of scoring position. We look forward to how continued development sets our team up for success during the outdoor season. We have great leadership and an opportunity to be healthier for some bigger points potential outdoors.
Head Coach Karly Brautigam
Cailee finished second at the NCAA indoor championship in the mile and was the NSIC conference champion. With PR's of 4:19 and 2:07, Cailee will be a favorite in multiple events at the conference and national level.
Head Coach Karly Brautigam
Bryn scored in both the Pentathlon and the High Jump during the indoor season and PR'd in the pentathlon by 375 points. She also achieved a high jump PR during the indoor season.
Head Coach Karly Brautigam

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO (1st)

The 2022 outdoor season brought a NCAA podium finish for the Mavericks (3rd place) while winning the NSIC team title. The 2023 Mavericks return the main core from last season and will continue to build upon the success from 2022.
Head Coach Mike Turgeon
Already the most decorated athlete in MSU Track and Field History, Denisha looks to continue her career season outdoors and defend her National Titles in the 100h and 4x100m relay.
Head Coach Mike Turgeon
Lexie broke NSIC & School records indoors while leading the nation shot put list all season. She will continue outdoors showing that she is one of the best throwers in conference history.
Head Coach Mike Turgeon

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD (11th)

Our primary scoring will come from Robynn and Ashley. I am excited to see who embraces the challenge of joining them and helps to move our team forward in a positive way at the outdoor championships.
Head Coach Ryan Milner
Robynn consistently improves season after season. She's made the jump from solid conference runner, to National Qualifier. Her 2023 outdoor campaign has the potential to be exceptional.
Head Coach Ryan Milner
Ashley's 2023 season has been a major breakthrough. I'm excited to see what she's capable of this outdoor season.
Head Coach Ryan Milner

MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY

I am excited to see the grow of the entire team this outdoor season.
Head Coach Greggmar Swift
One of the top recruits in the state of North Dakota, Summer has not disappointed since arriving at Minot State University. She will be looking to continue her pursuit of personal bests that she started with the indoor season.
Head Coach Greggmar Swift
Kenzy made great strides indoors with both events that she compete in (TJ/LJ) and even qualifying in both events for conference. With a hectic nursing schedule she opted not to compete at conference indoors but is determine to show her worth outdoors.
Head Coach Greggmar Swift

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY (9th)

The ladies finished well this past indoor season. We are very young team with only a handful of senior women on the squad. I feel we are a stronger outdoor team with the addition of a few field and running events on the track. Our team is ready for some nice warm weather and to get outside and compete.
Head Coach Lynne Dingman
Renea has had an amazing indoor season and we look for her to continue it through the outdoor season. Renea has amazing range and we expect her to contribute in all the sprints, relays and hurdles. Her favorite event to run is the 400 hurdles, so we are excited to see what she can do this outdoor season!
Head Coach Lynne Dingman
Kenzee has been a consistent vaulter on the runway for us. She has had a great indoor season and is really close to hitting some big heights. We are excited to see how high she can get in the outdoor season.
Head Coach Lynne Dingman

UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS (4th)

Our women's team had a very good indoor season and we look to continue the momentum into the outdoor season. We have place scorers in many events and that will help bring more balance to our team. We are a young team that is working hard and is getting better each day.
Head Coach Doug Petersen
Khot had her best season of running at USF. She set the indoor school record at 3,000m and #2 time in the Mile. She recorded NCAA Provisional Qualifying Marks in the Mile and the 3,000m. Khot was part of the school record setting DMR that also posted an NCAA Provisional Qualifying Mark. She placed in all three of those events at the NSIC Meet, earning All-Conference Honors in the DMR and the 3,000m.
Head Coach Doug Petersen
Natalie is coming off an excellent indoor season. She recorded a personal best in the Long Jump and had an NCAA Provisional Qualifying Mark. Natalie also placed in the NSIC Indoor Championships in the Long Jump and is #3 on the USF Honor Roll in her Long Jump event.
Head Coach Doug Petersen

SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY (14th)

We had a lot of progress during the indoor season and a number of school records to show for it. As we head to outdoor, we are hoping for more of the same.
Head Coach Kirk Nauman
Sierra continues to make great progress in her sophomore season. During the indoor season she added two records to her name in the 600 M and 4 x 200 M. As we head outdoors, Sierra has her eyes set on the 400 M record and relay records.
Head Coach Kirk Nauman
Nadia put together a nice performance at the NSIC Indoor Championships which culminated in a NCAA provisional mark in the shot put. She is for hoping for more of the same outdoors in regard to progress and success.
Head Coach Kirk Nauman

ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY (10th)

I am proud of the performances and effort this team put forward during the indoor season. They achieved a lot and reached many of their goals. As we move into the outdoor season, I am excited to see how our team can continue to compete and grow. We have a talented group that has a lot of ability, so I am looking forward to busy and fun outdoor season!
Head Coach Sam Kettenhofen
Brooklyn had an excellent indoor season and is looking to continue that success into outdoors. She excelled in the 600m and 400m this past indoor season and is more than ready to take that experience into the 400m Hurdles. I am very excited to see how her improvements in the last year impact her results outdoors. She works hard and brings it every day and with that type of energy, the outdoor could be a very good one for her.
Head Coach Sam Kettenhofen
Paola jumped well all indoor season! With her runner up finish at the NSIC Indoor Championships and qualifying for the NCAA Championships, she was able achieve to achieve many of her goals. As we move into the outdoor season, I am looking forward to seeing her continue the momentum she created this indoor season and jumping even higher during the outdoor campaign.
Head Coach Sam Kettenhofen

UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY (15th)

We have a good core group of women, that are hungry and ready to improve on their indoor season. With some strong upper classmen leadership, we are looking for some good things this spring.
Head Coach Nate Rucker
Ashley has had a very strong Senior year. She is ready and excited for this upcoming outdoor season. Looking to make an impact in the steeplechase this spring, and to help lead this young group of women in her final outdoor campaign.
Head Coach Nate Rucker
We are excited to see Kiana during her Junior campaign. After finishing her Sophomores year with a Top 8 finish in the discus during NSIC meet in Aberdeen last spring, we are expecting some good things out of her as we head into the outdoor season!
Head Coach Nate Rucker

WAYNE STATE COLLEGE (7th)

The women's team had a very good performance at indoors. Hopefully, that will be a sign of more to come for the outdoor season. We have some very good veteran athletes returning, who are key point scorers. We had several 9th place finishers at the NSIC Indoor Championships, who with a little luck can convert those into points during the outdoor season.
Head Coach Marlon Brink
Kelsey had an outstanding indoor season with several personal bests in almost every distance she raced this season. She capped it off with a 2nd place finish in the 1000 meter run at the NSIC Indoor Championships. I think she will be poised to pick up where she left off at during the indoor season and have a great outdoor season.
Head Coach Marlon Brink
McKenzie has been one of our most versatile throws athletes for the last several years. She qualified for the NCAA's last year in both the shot put and hammer throw. She was NSIC Champ in the hammer and 3rd in the shot put last year. She knows how to compete well and is looking to close out a brilliant collegiate career at WSC.
Head Coach Marlon Brink

WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY (3rd)

This team is coming off its best indoor season in school history, claiming 5th place at the NCAA championships by winning 2 individual national titles (5000m & 400m) and placing top 4 in three other events (3000m, Mile, 4x400). Additionally, a third place team finish at the NSIC Indoor Championships shows the depth of talent that we'll look to for the outdoor season.
Head Coach Mason Rebarchek
Coming off of a historic indoor season where she won the NCAA II Championship and set the NCAA II all-time and national meet record in the 5000m, placed fourth in the 3000m running under the meet record, and was undefeated during the season, Lindsay is poised for a big outdoor season this spring.
Head Coach Mason Rebarchek
Xana has put in a lot of work to be prepared for this season and it has begun to pay off this past winter. She is coming off a remarkable indoor season where she finished tied for 24th in NCAA II in the Triple Jump.
Head Coach Mason Rebarchek
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