Navy Cross Country Announces Logan Flament and Susannah Heinz as 2026 Team Captains

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Leadership has been established for the 2026 Navy cross country season.

The Navy cross country program announced that Logan Flament and Susannah Heinz have been selected as the team captains for the upcoming season. Flament will lead the men’s squad, while Heinz will captain the women’s team as the Midshipmen prepare for another challenging campaign in the Patriot League and beyond.

Being named a captain at the United States Naval Academy represents one of the highest honors a student-athlete can receive. The recognition extends far beyond race results, reflecting leadership, character, accountability, and the ability to inspire teammates while balancing the rigorous demands of Division I athletics, military training, and academics.

For Navy head coaches Aaron Lanzel and Kim Lewnes, the selections represent two student-athletes who have consistently embodied the culture of one of the nation’s premier distance-running programs. Both Flament and Heinz have earned the trust of their teammates through years of dedication, perseverance, and leading by example.

Flament to Lead Navy Men

Flament enters his senior season as one of the veteran leaders of the Navy men’s cross country program.

Throughout his career in Annapolis, Flament has established himself as a dependable competitor while helping maintain the tradition of excellence that has made Navy one of the Patriot League’s most successful distance-running programs. His work ethic during practices, commitment to continuous improvement, and willingness to mentor younger runners made him a natural choice to captain the men’s team.

The Midshipmen have consistently competed among the conference’s elite programs, and Flament will play an important role in helping Navy pursue another Patriot League championship this fall. Leadership on a cross country team extends well beyond race day, with captains responsible for setting the tone during summer training, preseason workouts, and the demanding weekly preparation throughout the season.

Heinz to Captain the Women’s Team

Heinz has developed into one of the leaders of the Navy women’s cross country program through steady improvement and consistent dedication.

Before arriving at the Naval Academy, Heinz built an outstanding high school career, capturing multiple state cross country championships while serving as a team captain. That leadership experience has continued throughout her collegiate career, making her an ideal choice to guide the Midshipmen into the 2026 season.

Her selection reflects the respect she has earned from both teammates and coaches. Heinz has embraced the responsibility of helping younger runners adjust to the demands of collegiate competition while continuing to develop into one of the program’s veteran leaders.

Carrying on Navy’s Winning Tradition

The Naval Academy has long been recognized as one of the premier distance-running programs in the Patriot League. Year after year, the Midshipmen contend for conference championships while producing All-Patriot League performers and student-athletes who excel in the classroom and in military leadership.

Cross country at Navy is about far more than individual accomplishments. Success comes from teamwork, discipline, and commitment to something larger than oneself—values that align perfectly with the mission of the Naval Academy. Those principles have helped the Midshipmen remain competitive on both the men’s and women’s sides for decades.

Captains play a vital role in maintaining that culture. They help organize offseason workouts, encourage teammates through difficult training sessions, and provide leadership during every aspect of the season. Their influence often extends well beyond competition, helping build the close-knit team environment that has become a hallmark of Navy athletics.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The 2026 season will present another demanding schedule against some of the top distance-running programs in the region. Navy will once again set its sights on strong performances throughout the regular season before turning its attention to the Patriot League Championships and postseason competition.

Both Flament and Heinz will be expected to lead by example as the Midshipmen integrate experienced veterans with talented newcomers. Their leadership will be critical in helping Navy continue its tradition of competing at a championship level.

While championships are always a goal, the Naval Academy measures success by more than victories. Developing future officers, leaders, and teammates remains at the heart of every athletic program in Annapolis. Flament and Heinz have already demonstrated those qualities throughout their careers, making them deserving choices to captain the Midshipmen in 2026.

As preseason training begins and another cross country season approaches, Navy enters the fall with experienced leadership at the front of both programs. The Midshipmen will look to build on the program’s proud tradition while Flament and Heinz guide their teammates through another season of competition and growth.

Maryland Sports Blog will continue providing coverage of Navy athletics throughout the 2026-27 academic year, including cross country, track and field, football, soccer, and other Midshipmen programs.