By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
The Washburn University women's soccer team was picked first in the 2026 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll released Wednesday.
Washburn soccer has been picked No. 1 in the MIAA preseason coaches poll after advancing the NCAA Division II semifinals a year ago. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
The Ichabods received seven first-place votes and 138 points.
Washburn is coming off a 14-4-6 season and a run to NCAA Division II semifinals in 2025.
The Ichabods return a key nucleus of players from last year's team, including first-team All-MIAA picks Lindsey Maul, a senior defender, and Leah Henke, a sophomore forward. Henke was named the MIAA freshman of the year last fall.
Also returning are All-MIAA second-team pick Rilyn Snyder, a senior defender, third-team conference selections Grace Peterson (senior midfielder), Mackinly Rohn (senior midfielder) and Sam Searcey (junior forward) and honorable mention honorees Kate Hinck (sophomore forward) and Lili Everley (sophomore goalkeeper).
The Ichabods host their regular-season opener at home vs. pre-season No. 21 Maryville on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 6 p.m. at Yager Stadium.
2026 MIAA WOMEN'S SOCCER
PRESEASON COACHES POLL
1. Washburn (7) – 138 points
2. Pittsburg State (6) – 136 points
3. Central Missouri – 119 points
4. Missouri Western – 108 points
5. Central Oklahoma – 96 points
6. Northwest Missouri – 92 points
7. Emporia State – 85 points
8. Northeastern State – 66 points
9. Nebraska Kearney – 45 points
10. Fort Hays State – 43 points
11. Rogers State – 41 points
12. Missouri Southern – 25 points
13. Newman – 22 points
(#) - First Place Votes
