2019 Women's Recruit Rankings: #1 Oklahoma State Cowgirls

Recruit rankings data has been manually collected by TSR contributors from multiple, reliable sources. Transfers and foreign recruits who are not expected to have four years of eligibility are excluded from these rankings. Order of rankings was decided by all TSR contributors. Despite our research, it is possible that certain names have been erroneously omitted.

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The Oklahoma State women are in for a treat this year when you look at the number of talented recruits they are bringing in. The Cowgirls have seven incoming freshmen joining their team, four of whom seem to be middle distance runners. When you factor in Oklahoma State's success at championship meets and their general history of top-tier performances, it is no surprise that they were able to attract numerous recruits who could make an impact across all distance disciplines (800 to 5k).

That is why this recruiting is ranked #1. They are bringing in what might be the best (or at least the deepest) middle distance group in the nation. They may not have the same firepower as a recruiting class like Washington, but this group uniquely fits the training and racing philosophy of Oklahoma State. Not only that, but nearly all of these recruits offer solid range at the mile and 5k distances. It is extremely rare to find a combination of talent like that.

In other words, these rising freshmen are extremely well-rounded and will add significant depth to a program that has seemingly been able to get the most out of their athletes who can be utilized at any distance.

I’ll start with the women who appear to be middle distance oriented. First you’ve got Lithuania’s Gabija Galvydytė who is heading to Oklahoma State with a PR of 2:09 in the 800. Galvydytė is yet another top-tier addition to the Pokes' already overwhelmingly strong half-mile group. She will have a number of great partners to train with, specifically the 2019 NCAA 1500 champion (Sinclaire Johnson). We should also not overlook her 2:57 PR for 1000 meters, an event that Oklahoma State often scores points in during the BIG 12 Indoor Championships.

Sweden’s Gael De Coninck will also enter Stillwater, Oklahoma with top middle-distance PR's. De Coninck has run 2:05 for 800 meters and 4:28 for 1500 meters (which roughly converts to 4:46 for 1600 meters depending on who you ask). She also owns a personal best of 2:50 for 1000 meters. Those marks not only put her among the best talents on this roster, but they debatably make her one of the best women on this team (outside of Sinclaire Johnson).

With times like those De Coninck could end up being an NCAA All-American as early as this upcoming year. Coach Dave Smith has done an incredible job with developing middle distance runners and Sinclaire Johnson isn't the only middle distance standout that made some noise earlier this year (see Jenny Celis and Molly Sughroue). History says that De Coninck will thrive during her time in Stillwater.

Texas native Madison Savoy has run 2:14, but has also displayed some speed in the 200 and 400 meters. Given her history in the shorter distances, Savoy could become a very useful piece for Oklahoma State, specifically in the DMR. She'll have the flexibility to run the 400 or 800 meter legs if she continues to develop. Jayden Fiebiger of Texas will join Savoy in the 800 as she also has a PR of 2:14. Improved training and more competition will give Fiebiger the opportunity to improve upon her current PR.

These two are respectable recruits, but it will likely take some time for them to develop.

As for the longer distances, the Cowgirls are bringing in Mackenzie Marler of Wyoming. Marler comes to Oklahoma State with times of 5:02 and 11:28 on the track. However, what makes her such an incredibly valuable recruit isn't her times - it's her championship finishes. Marler ended her high school career as a 13-time individual state medalist in both cross country and track (assuming they medal eight deep in track). She secured three state titles (two in XC, one on the track) and qualified for NXN back in 2017 where she finished 22nd overall (only one spot out from All-American status).

On a team that is flooded with middle distance talent, Marler may be the most underrated recruit of them all. She could be an extremely valuable scorer for Oklahoma State in the longer distances. Don't sleep on her potential for the upcoming cross country seasons (and beyond).

An incoming freshman for the Cowgirls who has shown incredible range during her high school career is Taylor Roe of Washington. On the track, Roe has run 2:09 (800), 4:45 (mile), and 10:18 (3200). Add in Roe’s 5k of 17:21 and you find someone who can add extremely valuable depth in every season of competition. The 2016 NXN qualifier will vie for a top seven spot during cross country and I wouldn’t be surprised if she is in the lineup later this fall. Plus, her personal bests in both the 800 and mile immediately make her one of the top scorers on this team with the potential to be a superstar in the next few years.

The last signee for Oklahoma State is Gabby Hentemann of Michigan. The incoming freshman has outstanding leg speed given her 2:08 (800) and 4:48 (1600) personal bests, but she has also run a respectable 11:09 (3200). Like Roe, Hentemann will add depth across the board in all three seasons for the Cowgirls. Hentemann will look to make an impact once she steps on campus.

The incoming Cowgirls will be a strong addition to an already deep team. They bolster an already strong part of their team and made significant improvements in the longer distances. In nearly every aspect of this roster, these soon-to-be freshmen will compete alongside some of the nation's best athletes and will only add to the incredible history of this Oklahoma State program.