CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – As the 2025 American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) softball season quickly approaches, the league office releases the preseason poll with the Central College Dutch favored to repeat as regular season conference champions. The 2025 season is expected to be another exciting and competitive year. 

The Poll: 

The Central College Dutch stand at the top of the coaches' poll to win the 2025 American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) regular season title. The Dutch, who were the champions of last year's conference regular season, earned 64 points in the poll, recording eight first place votes. Coaches cannot vote for their own team. Nebraska Wesleyan University picked up 50 points, including one first place vote, to finish second in this year's preseason coaches' poll. Luther and Simpson, both tallied 43 points, expected to finish third this season. Following closely behind with 41 points is the Kohawks of Coe College and with 40 points is the Wartburg College Knights. Loras College, the University of Dubuque, and Buena Vista University are projected to finish seventh, eighth, and ninth, respectively. 

NFCA National Poll: 

The NFCA preseason poll was announced earlier today and the Central College Dutch come in at No. 11. The Coe College Kohawks are receiving eight votes. 

New Coaches: 

• Tammy Utley, Buena Vista University
• Kristen Duross, University of Dubuque

The Schedule: 

The 2025 season kicks off when four teams begin play on Saturday, February 15. Buena Vista and Nebraska Wesleyan will begin their 2025 campaigns in Minnesota. The Beavers will face St. Olaf and Macalster on opening day while the P-Wolves will see Gustavus Adolphus and St. Scholastica. Simpson will take the field in Davenport, Iowa against Monmouth and Mount Mercy and the Knights of Wartburg will begin the season against WashU and Illinois College. The Duhawks of Loras will begin 2025 on Thursday, February 20 when they head to Peoria, Illinois to take on Wisconsin Lutheran and Edgewood. On Saturday, February 22, the Norse of Luther will see their first pitches in Minnesota against Bethel and Minnesota Morris. Coe kicks off their season on the 22nd, too, against St. Catherine and Webster in St. Louis, Missouri. Dubuque will take the field on the 22nd in Fulton, Missouri with a doubleheader against Westminster. Central is the final A-R-C team to take the field for the 2025 season, and they will do so on Friday, February 28 when they head to St. Louis to face Calvin and WashU. 

On Tuesday, March 25, the A-R-C will see its first conference action of the year when crosstown rivals Dubuque and Loras will square off. The following day, Simpson will begin their conference slate against Dubuque. Wednesday, April 2 Luther will travel to Loras and Wartburg travel to Buena Vista for more conference action. The Dutch begin their fight back to the league title on Friday, April 4 when they face Simpson. Coe and Nebraska Wesleyan will begin the 2025 conference slate on Saturday, April 5. The Kohawks are set to take on Luther while Nebraska Wesleyan will make the trek to face Dubuque. 

On the Line: 

The 2025 American Rivers Conference Tournament will be held May 9-10 with the tournament's top seed serving as the host. The tournament is a single-elimination format, consisting of the top six schools from the regular season standings. The top two seeds from the regular season standings will receive first-round byes. The two opening round games are played on Friday with semifinals and the final on Saturday. The tournament champion will receive the leagues' automatic qualifier bid to the NCAA Division III Softball Tournament. The A-R-C received four bids to the national tournament in 2023 and three a season ago. 

Preseason No. 1 | Central College Dutch

As one of the long-time leading programs in the American Rivers Conference, Central College enters the 2025 softball season with high expectations. Under the leadership of George Wares, who enters his 41st season with the Dutch, Central is coming off a successful 2024 campaign that saw them finish atop the A-R-C standings with a 13-3 conference record and a 33-13 overall mark. While the Dutch were eliminated in the Super Regional by Linfield, their run to the postseason highlighted their continued excellence and national relevance in NCAA Division III softball.

Despite some roster changes, they are primed to continue their dominance. With four returning position players and a pair of pitchers back in the fold, the Dutch are well-positioned to compete for another conference title and a potential deep postseason run.

Coach Wares, who boasts an impressive career record of 1265-450-3, remains confident heading into the 2025 season. His decades of experience and unmatched success have set a high bar for Central, and the team is ready to rise to the challenge.

Central's roster is headlined by a trio of standout players who are expected to lead the Dutch both on and off the field:

• Emma Beck, the 2024 A-R-C Conference Pitcher of the Year, returns as one of the most dominant pitchers in the conference. Beck's consistency and ability to control games will be pivotal as Central looks to defend its conference title.
• Haley Bach, a First-Team All-Conference selection, is a key leader in the middle of the field and at the plate. Her experience and leadership are crucial as the Dutch navigate a tough schedule.
• Hannah Higgins, a First-Team All-Conference pick in 2024, provides versatility and offensive firepower. Her ability to contribute in multiple positions will be vital as the team adapts to some roster changes.

While the Dutch return some of the most important pieces from their 2024 squad, there are also some significant departures. Five position players and two pitchers from last year’s roster are no longer with the team. Despite these losses, the program’s strong recruiting pipeline and emphasis on development should ensure that Central remains competitive. Central will also look to develop some of their younger players to fill key roles and provide depth. 

Preseason No. 2 | Nebraska Wesleyan University Prairie Wolves

Nebraska Wesleyan University enters the 2025 softball season with a strong roster and high expectations, following a solid 2024 campaign where the Prairie Wolves finished 4th in the A-R-C with a 9-6 conference record and an overall mark of 26-11. Although they did not make it back to the NCAA Tournament after their 2022 appearance, Nebraska Wesleyan remains a competitive force within the conference. Head coach Mary Yori, now in her 10th season with the program, has led the team to a 177-139 overall record, and she’s looking to build on that success with an experienced squad heading into 2025.

Nebraska Wesleyan will be led by a group of talented returners, including a mix of graduate students and upperclassmen:

• Val Gerlach is a key returner behind the plate, Gerlach's experience and leadership will be invaluable to the team’s success. As a graduate student, she brings a wealth of knowledge to both the offense and defense.
• Hanna Roth is another experienced leader who will provide strength in the outfield and at the plate. Her veteran presence will be key as the team looks to push for a higher finish in the A-R-C.
• Elise Warneke is a returning graduate pitcher, Warneke will anchor the pitching staff alongside a second returning pitcher. Her experience and ability to lead in the circle will be vital as the Prairie Wolves seek consistency on the mound.
• Lyndsey Roth and Paige Davison: Both will play key roles in the leadership of the team, bringing both defensive strength and offensive production. Their senior experience will be crucial as Nebraska Wesleyan aims to compete at the highest level.

With these experienced players, the Prairie Wolves are well-equipped to make a push for an NCAA berth and continue their strong presence in the A-R-C.

Nebraska Wesleyan’s strength in 2025 will lie in its experience and leadership, particularly from the senior and graduate class. With six returning position starters and a solid group of returning pitchers, the Prairie Wolves have the pieces in place to compete with the best teams in the A-R-C. However, the team will need to maintain consistency throughout the season, especially in conference matchups that are always competitive.

The loss of two position starters and two pitchers from the previous season will present challenges, but the team’s depth and experienced core will help mitigate those losses. Nebraska Wesleyan will focus on developing younger players while relying on their veterans to provide steady leadership.

The Prairie Wolves will aim to improve on their 2024 finish and make a run at an NCAA Tournament berth. The combination of strong pitching, experienced leaders, and a deep roster makes Nebraska Wesleyan a formidable opponent in the A-R-C. Coach Yori’s philosophy will continue to emphasize hard work, teamwork, and development, and with a healthy mix of experienced upperclassmen and emerging talent, Nebraska Wesleyan is well-positioned for success.

Preseason T-No. 3 | Luther College Norse

As the 2025 season approaches, the A-R-C softball landscape is shaping up to be as competitive as ever. Luther College, led by head coach Renae Rost Hartl in her 24th season, enters the year with a strong foundation and the goal of improving on its 2024 finish. Despite a tie for fifth place in the conference last year, the Norse are hungry for a return to the postseason after narrowly missing out on an NCAA Tournament berth.

In 2024, the Norse finished with a 28-14 overall record, including a 9-7 mark in conference play, showcasing a solid season that left them just outside the NCAA Tournament picture. With 2025 now on the horizon, Luther College is returning a talented group, including six position starters and four pitchers, all of whom are ready to make an impact.

Hartl, who boasts an impressive 708-244 record over 23 years at Luther, continues to guide the program with unmatched expertise. Her ability to develop talent and maintain consistency in the A-R-C has made Luther a perennial contender in the conference.

Luther is fortunate to return some of the top talent in the A-R-C, with two All-Conference honorees back in the fold. Olivia Engler, who was a key contributor in the circle last season, will anchor the staff once again. Engler's experience and leadership will be crucial as the Norse aim to dominate in the pitching department. Riley Sauser also returns after earning All-Conference honors in 2024. Sauser’s leadership on the field and consistency at the plate will provide the Norse with stability in the lineup. Both Engler and Sauser will play vital roles as Luther looks to remain competitive in a tough conference.

One of the team’s greatest strengths heading into the season is its pitching staff. Luther returns all four of its pitchers from last season, giving the team depth and flexibility in the circle. On the offensive side, the Norse will need to adjust after the graduation of Abby Spore, an All-Conference catcher and offensive leader. Spore's bat will be missed, but with a solid group of returners and incoming talent, Luther has the tools to remain dangerous at the plate. The key will be for players like Sauser, Engler, and others to step up and provide consistent offense throughout the season.

With a mix of experienced upperclassmen and promising newcomers, Luther College is poised to challenge for a spot in the NCAA Tournament once again. The road to the postseason will not be easy, but with strong pitching, solid defense, and experienced leadership, the Norse are ready for the challenge.

Preseason T-No. 3 | Simpson College Storm

Simpson College enters the 2025 softball season looking to continue its competitive rise within the league. Under the leadership of Brent Matthias, now in his 8th season as head coach, the Storm are coming off a strong 2024 campaign where they finished tied for fifth in the A-R-C with a 9-7 conference record and a 27-13 overall record. Although they did not make the NCAA Tournament in 2024, Simpson remains one of the top teams in the A-R-C and is eager to make a postseason run in 2025.

Simpson returns a wealth of talent for the 2025 season, with seven returning position starters and four returning pitchers. The team will be led by a strong core of junior and senior players, along with some talented newcomers who are expected to contribute immediately. The Storm will rely on their mix of experienced veterans and fresh faces to take on the challenges of one of the nation’s toughest softball leagues.

Simpson will be led by a talented group of players, including some of the top standouts in the conference:

• Ashley Steen, an All-American, returns as one of the most dynamic players in the league. Steen’s combination of speed, power, and defensive ability in center field makes her a key player to watch in 2025.
• Megan Heidelbauer brings a powerful bat and solid defense to the heart of the lineup. Her offensive production will be crucial as Simpson looks to generate consistent scoring.
• Caelyn Obleton provides strength and versatility on the infield. Obleton is expected to play a major role in both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game.
• Alexis Ehlers and Kate Kriegel  will provide leadership and stability in the middle of the field. Both bring experience and strong performances on both sides of the ball, contributing to Simpson’s solid infield defense.

Simpson will miss the production of Maddie Luderman who was a key leader behind the plate in 2024. While the loss of Luderman will be felt, the team’s depth and experienced players should help to fill that gap.

The 2025 season brings renewed hope for Simpson, with a talented and experienced team that has the potential to make a significant impact in the A-R-C. With a strong returning core, Simpson is set to compete for a top spot in the conference standings and is aiming for a return to the NCAA Tournament. The combination of key returners like Steen, Heidelbauer, and Obleton, along with a talented pitching staff, makes Simpson a threat in 2025.

Preseason No. 5 | Coe College Kohawks

Coe College enters the 2025 softball season coming off an impressive 2024 campaign, where the Kohawks finished second in the A-R-C with a 12-4 conference record and an overall mark of 34-11. Their success was highlighted by a strong run in the NCAA Tournament, which saw them notch victories over Baldwin Wallace, St. Mary’s (Minn.), and DePauw before falling to Case Western in a pair of close contests. Head Coach Jake Koolbeck, now in his third season, has quickly continue to build a competitive program, boasting an impressive record of 73-22 thus far.

The 2025 season brings new challenges for Coe, as they must reload after losing several key contributors from last year’s successful squad. With seven position starters and one pitcher lost, the Kohawks will look to integrate a lot of new talent into their lineup. The Kohawks return some important pieces to their team. Four pitchers return to the squad, providing depth and stability in the circle. Their experience will be crucial as the team looks to maintain its competitive edge in one of the nation’s top conferences.

However, one of the biggest challenges for the Kohawks will be replacing the production and leadership of Ruby Kappeler, Heather Boeckenstedt, Shaylee Dodd, Ellie Thurow, Madi Parson, and Bree Mangelsen. Each of these players played a significant role in Coe’s success over the past few seasons, both offensively and defensively. Coe will rely on leadership of their returning pitchers to anchor the team. 

With several new faces in the lineup, it will be vital for Coe to quickly build chemistry and cohesion in order to stay competitive in a league filled with talented teams. The Kohawks are looking to build on their NCAA Tournament success in 2023 and 2024 as they face the challenges of the tough A-R-C schedule. 

Preseason No. 6 | Wartburg College Knights

Wartburg College enters the 2025 softball season with a solid foundation and a renewed sense of determination after a strong 2024 campaign. Under the leadership of Jamie Mueller, now in her 10th season as head coach, the Knights finished third in the A-R-C with a 9-6 conference record and an overall mark of 23-18. Despite an early exit from the 2024 NCAA Tournament, where they fell to Illinois Wesleyan and College of Saint Benedict, Wartburg’s experience and competitive spirit make them a team to watch as they look to make another postseason push in 2025.

Wartburg returns four position starters and four pitchers for the 2025 season. While the team loses several key contributors from the previous year, including Ashley Nelson and Kaylie Springer, they have a solid core of returning players who will be expected to step up and lead the team through a challenging conference schedule. Mueller is focused on building consistency and resilience, knowing that every game presents a unique challenge. 

While Wartburg does not have any All-Conference returners from 2024, the team’s returning players will play a pivotal role in the 2025 season. The Knights will need strong leadership and performance from their veterans, particularly in the key positions where they return experience:

• The pitching staff, with four returning pitchers, will be crucial to the team’s success. Although Wartburg loses a key pitcher in Nelson, the depth in the circle should provide a solid foundation for the Knights as they navigate the competitive league schedule.
• Position players will also need to step up, as the team lost five position starters from 2024. While this presents challenges, it also opens the door for newer players to contribute immediately. 

With a balanced approach and a focus on daily improvement, the Knights will aim for a strong finish in the conference action and a potential return to the NCAA Tournament.

Preseason No. 7 | Loras College Duhawks

The Loras College softball program enters the 2025 season with high hopes. Under the direction of Ashley Winter, now in her 16th season, the Duhawks are looking to build on their competitive edge and make a stronger push in the conference standings. After finishing seventh in the conference with a 7-9 record and a 20-16 overall mark in 2024, Loras is poised to take another step forward this season with an experienced squad and a strong core of returning players.

Loras returns a deep and experienced roster for 2025, including seven position starters and five pitchers. The Duhawks are excited to continue developing their program, leveraging their experience from the previous season and the leadership of a strong senior class. 

Loras will rely heavily on its returning talent, including Katie Svigelj, an All-Conference selection in 2024. Svigelj’s versatility and ability to contribute in multiple roles on the field will be a key asset for the Duhawks this season. Her leadership and performance will be essential as Loras looks to contend with some of the top teams in the A-R-C.

The pitching staff also looks to be a strong point for Loras, with five pitchers returning for the 2025 season. The depth and experience in the circle will give the Duhawks a competitive advantage as they navigate the rigorous conference schedule. The team will, however, need to fill the void left by the loss of Ashlyn Hemm, a key pitcher from the 2024 squad.

The 2025 season will feature a mix of experience and youthful energy for the Duhawks. With seven returning position starters and 20 returning letter winners, Loras has a strong base to work with. The leadership of the senior class will be invaluable, both in guiding the team through the challenges of the season and mentoring younger players.

The Duhawks will focus on utilizing their experienced core to guide the team, especially the underclassmen who are expected to play an important role. With a talented roster and a wealth of returning players, Loras is poised to be a competitive force in the A-R-C in 2025.

Preseason No. 8 | University of Dubuque Spartans

The University of Dubuque softball program enters the 2025 season with a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation, led by first-year head coach Kristen Duross. After a 2024 season that saw the Spartans finish eighth in the American Rivers Conference with a 3-13 conference record and an overall mark of 10-25, Dubuque is looking to turn the page and build a more competitive team for the future.

Duross is eager to bring her vision to the Spartans. With a fresh coaching perspective, she is focused on establishing a culture of growth, competitiveness, and high expectations. 

While Duross is still settling into the program and building relationships with her players, the Spartans will face some challenges in 2025 as they continue to build a strong roster. Despite losing a few key starters from last season, Dubuque will look to its returners to provide leadership and set the tone for the season ahead.

One of the standout returners for Dubuque is Bella Allison, an All-Conference selection in 2024. Allison’s presence in the outfield and at the plate will be critical to the Spartans’ success in 2025. She will be expected to step up as a leader both offensively and defensively, providing stability and performance in key moments. The pitching staff will also have a new look in 2025, as Dubuque returns 2 pitchers but also faces the loss of 3 pitchers from the previous year. 

While the team may be young and still finding its footing, the excitement surrounding the program is palpable. With the A-R-C being one of the top softball conferences in the country, Dubuque will face challenges, but the Spartans are determined to rise to the occasion.

The 2025 season will lay a framework for the Dubuque softball program moving forward as Duross makes the program her own. 

Preseason No. 9 | Buena Vista University Beavers

As Buena Vista University embarks on a new chapter in its softball program, the Beavers are under the guidance of first-year head coach Tammy Utley. Utley, with a fresh perspective and renewed energy, is ready to lead the Beavers as they look to improve upon their 2024 season and build a competitive presence in the American Rivers Conference.

Buena Vista enters the season following a challenging 2024 campaign, finishing ninth in the A-R-C with a 0-16 conference record and a 7-31 overall mark. Despite these struggles, the Beavers have reason for optimism as they return key players and look to take steps forward under new leadership.

Despite the losses from last season, the Beavers have several key returners who will be essential in shaping the team’s identity this year. Notable players include Keirsten Trayte, an All-Conference selection, and Paige Druskis, another All-Conference honoree. Both are expected to play significant roles in the Beavers' offensive and defensive schemes. Trayte, a versatile player, will be key both in the circle and in the field, while Druskis’ leadership in the outfield and her experience at the plate will be invaluable.

The Beavers will also rely on a strong pitching staff, with five returning pitchers providing depth and potential for growth. This returning pitching corps will be crucial as Buena Vista looks to improve their overall performance and start turning the tide against conference opponents.

Utley’s philosophy will focus on fostering competitiveness, resilience, and a renewed sense of team spirit. The Beavers have the opportunity to surprise this season, especially with a solid group of returners, including five returning position starters. While the team faces a tough conference schedule, the combination of returning talent and new leadership provides hope for improvement in 2025.

With an experienced pitching staff, solid returners like Trayte and Druskis, and Utley’s vision, Buena Vista is poised to build a more competitive program and work towards climbing the conference standings. The 2025 season will be about growth, building chemistry, and laying the groundwork for future success.

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About the American Rivers Conference

The Conference dates back to December 8, 1922, when representatives from 12 colleges got together and formed the "Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association." Honoring its heritage in Iowa and its expansion outside the state, the American Rivers Conference brand was established on August 9, 2018, to build on the academic and athletic success provided by its legacy, the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The A-R-C has nine full-time members: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College.