Every runner dreams of winning an individual national championship. Standing atop the podium. Biting the gold medal. Your name in the history books. But realistically, only a handful are capable of it. Most teams only have one contender, if any.

No. 1 NC State women’s cross country isn’t just any team. Each of its three biggest stars has what it takes to win it all.

This team possesses everything it needs to secure its fourth national championship in five years. A proven leader, a black mamba and a Steady Eddy — each with their own claim at the top spot on the team.

Grace Hartman

Heading the charge is one of two runners remaining from the dynasty squad, which won three titles in a row from 2021-23: senior Grace Hartman. She competed in 2023, but had a minimal role on that stacked team, which featured NC State legend Katelyn Tuohy and other speedsters. A year later, as the team endured a rebuild, Hartman led the Wolfpack to an eighth-place team finish at nationals. As an individual, she won the 2024 ACC Championship and placed fifth in NCAAs.

“We finished eighth place last year and people thought that was something that we weren’t proud of,” Hartman said. “And I can tell you, I was equally, if not more, proud of that team, as I was being a part of the national championship-winning team.”

Hartman made her mark as an individual last year. This year, it’s not just about her.

“[At] NC State, you could be the 14th girl, and be the first girl on so many other university teams, like big D1 schools,” Hartman said.

In large part due to its depth, the squad is undefeated going into the National Championships, but Hartman’s season has not been all roses so far. Suffering from Plantar Fasciitis, she has raced in just two of the Pack’s five events and even missed the NCAA Regional.

“The thing about a Plantar tear is you can’t do anything to fix it. It just takes a lot of time,” Hartman said. “So I’d have some days that were awesome and some days where it was horrible … I obviously wanted to be at regionals, you always want to be out there competing, but this was actually the original plan [coming into the season].”

If Hartman is healthy on race day, expect her at the front of the Pack, and don’t be surprised if she claims another medal.

Hannah Gapes

Senior Hannah Gapes also joined Hartman on that title-winning team in 2023. For their entire careers, they have finished side-by-side like a one-two punch. This year, in Hartman’s absence, she has been the one to lead the Pack across the finish line, taking two solo victories — first at the adidas XC Challenge and then at the Sean Earl Loyola Lakefront Invitational.

Gapes is the Steady Eddy of the group. The New Zealand native consistently performs, driven to succeed by an even-keeled mindset.

“I’m not someone who kind of gets fueled off anger or aggression,” Gapes said. “So I want to be calm and present with myself and remembering that my best is all I can kind of ask for. Settling with that, as well as just being really excited to line up and showcase the training that you’ve put in for so many months.”

Training alongside her teammates on a highly competitive team, balancing individual aspirations and team goals can be challenging, especially when you have a shot at individual medals. Gapes said it doesn’t come naturally, but competition helps the team grow.

“You kind of learn how to use each other, in the best way possible, without having to fight each other,” Gapes said. “And I think practice allows you to translate that into a race. So, yeah, we all want to win, and there would be an issue if one of us didn’t want to win … Everybody enjoys doing hard things here.”

Gapes led the charge for the Wolfpack at the NCAA Regional, finishing second with a personal best time of 19:08.3.

Angelina Napoleon

Junior Angelina Napoleon is the X-Factor. She sets this team apart from last season. Claiming the 2025 individual ACC Championship, she took a huge leap from 2024, where she finished 59th at the same event. Her rise could push the Pack back over the hump this season, and she is not afraid of speaking that fact.

“We’re going after a national title,” Napoleon said. “I’m confident in it, and I don’t find pressure in saying that. I take pride in saying that, because I know that if we show up and when everybody shows up and does what they need to do in nationals, we’re gonna be a hard team to beat.”

Taking the top spot at ACCs for her first cross country win, Napoleon proved that she belongs at the front of the conversation. But for her, it all comes down to the team.

“Going back to ACCs … I know for a fact we had three girls shooting for the same goal, and that was that individual ACC title,” Napoleon said. “We all have that goal individually, but ultimately, being able to run our own race and work together is how we’re all going to be successful individually.”

No matter who crosses the finish line first, one thing is for sure: Another national championship is in play.

The team will fight for the title in Columbia, Missouri, on Saturday, Nov. 22. Catch it live on ESPNU.