CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte men's and women's cross country teams are set to embark on their 2025 fall season, opening a new chapter under the leadership of Head Coach Will Crocker in his first full year at the helm.

In the recently released ASUN Preseason Coaches Poll, both Royals squads were slotted seventh among league competition, setting the stage for Queens to build on last year's success.

For the men's team, Preston Gantt emerged as a breakout performer in 2024, capturing first place in the 8k at the Adidas/Winthrop Cross Country Invitational and earning ASUN Freshman Runner of the Week honors on October 16, 2024. His continued development will be key to pushing the Royals past their preseason ranking.

On the women's side, sophomore Simone Mouras made history last fall. She earned ASUN Freshman of the Week honors on October 16 before being named to the ASUN All-Freshman Team, becoming the first female in Queens' Division I history to receive the honor and just the second overall for both the men's & women's programs. She'll be a vital piece of Queens' efforts in 2025.

Coach Crocker is eager to guide the Royals into this new era. "We are excited about this new era of the Queens cross country program and can't wait to get the season started," Crocker said. "We have a very young group of talented men and women that made some big improvements during the track season and [are] looking to continue the success and improvements that we had last year into this cross country season. We have a large group of freshmen men that will add to our depth this season and help carry us to a higher finish than what we had last year as a team."

He also emphasized the excitement of competing at home. "I am excited about our upcoming cross country season and looking to continue to build on last year's success," Crocker added. "We have two home meets on our schedule and would love to see Queens alumni and fans come out to McAlpine Creek Park to support our team!"

Find the full men's and women's cross country schedules here.

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