CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has released its 2026 softball preseason coaches’ poll, and Simpson College has been selected as the favorite to take home the league regular season title. The Storm earned 62 points and seven first-place votes. Wartburg comes in as the runner-up favorite with 54 points and one first-place vote followed by Central in third with one first-place vote and 47 points. 
 

2026 American Rivers Conference Softball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
Place	Team (First-place votes)	Points
1.	Simpson (7)	62
2.	Wartburg (1)	54
3.	Central (1)	47
4.	Loras	44
5.	Luther	36
T-6.	Coe	24
T-6.	Univ. of Dubuque	24
8.	Nebraska Wesleyan	21
9.	Buena Vista	12

 
The first pitches of the 2026 softball season will be on Saturday, February 14 as Central and Nebraska Wesleyan take the field. The conference doubleheader schedule begins on Saturday, April 4. The conference slate will run through Saturday, May 2. The top six teams at the conclusion of the conference regular season will advance to the conference tournament and the tournament champion will receive the league’s automatic berth to the NCAA Championship. 
 
Simpson College enters the 2026 season after a 34-9 campaign and an NCAA Tournament run in 2025. Head coach Brent Matthias returns seven starters and five pitchers from last year’s conference championship squad, providing depth and experience across the lineup. The Storm bring back multiple all-conference selections, including Megan Heidelbauer, Ashlyn Steen, Emma LaFave, Caelyn Obleton, Katie Shaner, and Mackenzie James. With a strong veteran core and postseason experience, Simpson is poised to remain a strong contender. 
 
“Simpson softball is focused on getting better each day and being our best," added Matthias. "The only thing we can control is our attitude and effort. The team's goal is to play hard and have fun. The American Rivers Conference is the best softball conference in the nation. Every day in this conference, top to bottom, you face some of the best coaches and players in NCAA Division III. We are thankful for the opportunities ahead for our conference and for Simpson softball."
 
Wartburg College was picked second after another successful season in 2025 that included a shared A-R-C regular season title and NCAA Tournament appearance. Head coach Jamie Mueller’s squad finished 25-17 overall and 11-5 in conference action last season. The Knights return six position starters, including all-conference outfielder Carley Bredar, while looking to replace key pieces. With postseason experience and a balanced roster, Wartburg is expected to challenge for the league crown again. 
 
“In a conference as strong as the A-R-C, it's hard to predict what a season will be like,” said Mueller. “Each doubleheader presents its own challenges, and we know we need to bring our best each day in order to have success. We are excited for the journey of a new season and will work hard to consistently put our best foot forward in 2026.”
 
Central College was picked third under longtime head coach George Wares, who enters his 42nd season. The Dutch are coming off a 25-13 year and an NCAA Tournament appearance. Central returns five starters, including returning all-conference catcher Rylee Dunkin. Central is welcoming transfers and freshmen to complement its veteran core. With 33 NCAA Tournament appearances in program history, Central remains one of the league’s most consistent programs. 
 
“With some experience returning, and the addition of some transfers and freshman we are excited to see where the process takes us at the end of the journey,” added Wares. “As always, our goal is to do enough to be one of the teams announced on selection Sunday. The American Rivers Conference definitely helps prepare us and all teams for the postseason.”
 
Loras College was picked fourth following a 25-15 overall campaign in 2025. Head coach Ashley Winter returns four pitchers and three starters after graduating numerous seniors, creating opportunities for new contributors to emerge. The Duhawks bring back all-conference performers Kaili Henning, Dana Skorich, and Kiya Steger, providing a strong foundation in both the circle and lineup. 
 
“The A-R-C should be another battle this season,” said Winter. “After graduating nine seniors, our team will feature some new faces, but the focus remains the same—compete each pitch, have fun, and do it together.”
 
Luther College earned the fifth spot in the preseason poll after finishing 23-18 overall and 8-8 in league action last year. Head coach Renae Hartl returns six starters and four pitchers, led by all-conference performers Chloe Wagner, Raven Allen, and Mya Larson. With a senior class of ten players, the Norse will lean on key leadership and experience as they look to return to the postseason. 
 
“With our largest class of seniors (10) in my time at Luther and a unique setting to become a team all fall and winter, having no locker room during our renovations, I could not be more impressed with them as we start official in-season practices,” said Hartl.  
 
Coe College brings back seven starters and all-conference first baseman Maddie Harris under the direction of Jake Koolbeck. The Kohawks also return three pitchers, providing stability in the circle, on top of seven position starters making a return. Coe’s experienced roster have positioned the program for continued success. 
 
“The 2026 season will be like every other season in the American Rivers Conference as the conference remains very strong,” said Koolbeck. “We expect to have to do little things well and really compete hard to win games in this conference. Our team is coming off a great fall and is eager to get back on the field. We have great experience returning to go with a freshman class we are excited about. We are looking forward to opening day and growing as a team each day throughout a competitive, fun season.”
 
The University of Dubuque had a 23-15 season in 2025. In her second year, head coach Kristen Duross returns six starters, including all-conference selection Kaitlyn Powell. With six seniors on the roster, the Spartans will rely on veteran leadership and depth as they continue to look to build off last season’s momentum. 
 
"After building momentum last year we are very excited about going into this spring,” said Duross. “We have a talented group that includes six seniors and I'm looking forward to them stepping up and doing what they do best. The American Rivers Conference is a very talented conference, where on any given day, anyone can beat anyone; looking forward to some great competition this year!"
 
Nebraska Wesleyan University was picked eighth under first-year head coach Courtney Medina. The Prairie Wolves are coming off a 31-13 season, a conference tournament title, and NCAA Tournament appearance. Despite significant graduation losses, Nebraska Wesleyan returns key contributors and welcomes a strong group of newcomers. 
 
“I am super excited for this upcoming year,” added Medina. “We have a lot of great talent returning and a lot of new faces that are hungry to compete. This conference is very competitive and we are excited to give it our best day in and day out.”
 
Buena Vista University rounds out the preseason poll under head coach Tammy Utley, in her second season. The Beavers are coming off a rebuilding season in 2025, but return five starters and all four pitchers from last year’s roster. With a strong core and a talented incoming class, Buena Vista looks to continue to take steps forward in the league standings. 
 
"As the softball season approaches, we are excited to showcase the talent and competitiveness that define the A-R-C,” said Utley. “We return a strong core of players and welcome a talented group of newcomers that we look forward to developing. After a productive fall semester, and our team is prepared to embrace the challenges of a demanding conference schedule."

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