Greenville, S.C. | The Young Harris College women's cross country team has been tabbed 11th, with a projected 69 points in the Conference Carolinas women's cross country poll. The Mountain Lions women's team has added nine freshman runners into the mix for the 2024 season, as head coach Matt Logan looks forward to year number two as the director of YHC cross country.  

The young Mountain Lions women's team returns sophomore runner Emily Baars, who competed in all six YHC XC events last season. Baars had her best placement when the pressure had mounted the most last season at the Conference Carolinas Championship, as the freshman competitor finished in 30th place with a career best 6k time of 24:54.4. Emily returns to the Enchanted Valley for year two, as coach Matt Logan and the Mountain Lions look to improve during their 2024 season. 

Freshman Emma Shanklin out of Marietta, Georgia has been added to the mix as one of the nine Young Harris newcomers. While at Kell High School, Shanklin posted her career best 5k time in 20 minutes and 24 seconds. The Mountain Lions coaching staff is eager for the addition of Shanklin, who was a top target in this year's recruiting class. Young Harris is excited to add the grit and determination that Emma brings, and the overall competitive nature of Shanklin will fit right into the Mountain Lions cross country program. 

The Mountain Lions have more than doubled their cross country competitors, going from six runners in 2023, to 14 runners as they gear up for their 2024 campaign. Young Harris College starts their season on Friday, September 6th for their 2nd Annual Young Harris Opener Presented by Harrison Construction. 

Read the full Conference Carolinas Preseason Poll release HERE 

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