Senior Rose Coats has been recognized as one of the Big Ten Conference's 2026 Women's Cross Country Runners to Watch. With back-to-back NCAA Championship appearances, she has firmly established herself as a top competitor in Maryland's history. Coats made history as the first Terp to earn All-Big Ten First Team honors and is only the second in program history to qualify for consecutive NCAA Championships. Academically, she excels as a chemical engineering major and holds multiple academic honors. The cross country season kicks off for Maryland on September 4 at the Delaware Invitational.

By the Numbers
  • Coats is a two-time NCAA All-Region honoree.
  • She made back-to-back NCAA Championships, a feat matched by only one other Terp.
Yes, But

While Coats’ individual accolades are impressive, the overall performance of the Maryland women's cross country team in upcoming seasons will also influence her visibility and legacy as a runner.

State of Play
  • The 2026 women's cross country season for Maryland starting on September 4.
  • Coats is part of a distinguished group of 18 runners on the Big Ten watch list, determined by head coaches.
What's Next

Coats is poised to lead her team in the upcoming season, with her performance potentially setting the stage for future accolades and team success in the Big Ten Championship.

Bottom Line

As one of the top runners in the nation, Rose Coats represents a strong asset for Maryland’s cross country program, and her continued success could elevate the team's competitive standing in the Big Ten.