Two meets into its season, the Iowa women’s cross-country squad recognized two women who stand out as “leaders of the pack.”

Senior Hannah Roeder and graduate student Jennie Docherty were elected team captains late last week. But head coach Layne Anderson said the vote was not unanimous.

“There were a few other [women] who were just behind them,” he said. “We’ve just got such a great group. It did not surprise me the voting was fairly evenly distributed. There are about four or five girls I would feel confident in to lead the team.”

Despite the close voting session, sophomore Betsy Flood said she is confident in Roeder and Docherty for different reasons, noting the two have diverse personalities and will bring a different dynamic to the team.

“Hannah is a quiet leader, but when she does say things, they are always motivating,” Flood said. “We’ve watched her work hard, and it’s paying off for her.”

Roeder, who transferred from UCLA her sophomore year, finished third for the Hawkeyes at the NCAA championship last season. She was also named academic All-Big Ten and academic All-American.

Conversely, Docherty has been with the Hawkeyes since her freshman year, and is back running during her first year of graduate school at Iowa.

“Jenny has faced a lot of adversity as far as being injured, but now she is healthy and ready to compete,” Flood said. “Even in times she couldn’t run, she was really supportive and excited for everyone else.”

The Minnesota native also received academic All-Big Ten honors twice in her Iowa career. She redshirted in 2007, allowing her one more year of eligibility.

Anderson said bothwomen are not only outstanding runners, they are also outstanding students and that gives him confidence they will be able to fulfill their responsibilities as captains.

He noted their commitment to the “running lifestyle” sets a good example for the younger members of the squad.

And Docherty said she is prepared to lead her team and knows what is expected of her.

“I think leading by example and having a hard work ethic is important,” she said. “Also, fostering a positive environment among the team members both in and out of practice. I want to be available to anyone if they need help or have questions.”

This year’s team is not only composed of committed individuals, she said, it also possesses a strong bond and the dynamic of the squad is “very supportive and encouraging.”

Roeder noted the team is more “cohesive” than previous years — which, she said, will make her job easier.

The women have organized team bonding activities, such as dinners, and they will participate in various service projects during the season. Docherty and Roeder are responsible for organizing these events, as well as coordinating activities when the team travels.

Still, Anderson said he tries not to overwork his captains because he needs them healthy and unstressed to compete.

“We try not to burden them with too many responsibilities,” he said. “They have a lot on their plates already.”