GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Belmont Abbey has been predicted fifth in the 2026-26 Conference Carolinas Women's Indoor Track & Field preseason poll, the league office announced today. Voting was conducted among the head coaches with each ommitting their own team in the ranking.

The Crusaders collected 148 points, just seven out of fourth place and 14 from third. Mount Olive was the preseason favorite with 196 points and 14 first-place votes, while Converse was second with 180 points and the remaining first-place vote. North Greenville (162) and UNC Pembroke (155) were immediately ahead of The Abbey.

Three athletes were listed among the conference's Athletes to Watch -- Jasmin Banks (So., Sprints), Aurea Hickenboth (Fr., Pole Vault/Triple Jump) and Elizabeth Young (So., Distance).

The 2025 Conference Carolinas Indoor Track & Field Championships will be held on February 22-23 at JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem, N.C.
 

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2026 Conference Carolinas
Women's Indoor Track & Field Preseason Poll
 

	School	Total (First Place)
1	Mount Olive	196 (14)
2	Converse	180 (1)
3	North Greenville	162
4	UNC Pembroke	155
5	Belmont Abbey	148
6	Lees-McRae	111
t7	Shorter	104
t7	Barton	104
9	King	95
10	Southern Wesleyan	86
11	Emmanuel	55
12	Young Harris	52
13	Erskine	47
14	Ferrum	44
15	Francis Marion	36