Contact: Brock Reisler, Assistant Executive Director, breisler@midwestconference.org
 
OSHKOSH, Wisconsin – Lake Forest College is projected to win its third consecutive Midwest Conference softball championship as the 2026 preseason poll was announced on Friday morning.
 
The Foresters picked up 62 points and six first-place votes to take the top spot in the poll. Lake Forest has qualified for the Midwest Conference Tournament in each season dating back to 2000, hosting the league’s culminating event in each of the past two seasons. In 2025 under head coach Joe Kinsella, the Foresters sported a 28-16-1 record, winning 14 of 16 MWC contests.
 
Illinois College earned 58 points overall and three first-place votes to come in second. The Lady Blues return 2025 Pitcher and Newcomer of the Year Jordan Closs, in addition to the league’s Coaching Staff of the Year led by Samantha Mendez.
 
Grinnell College, who advanced to the MWC Tournament Final, received 46 points to place third in the poll. Lawrence University – who qualified for the MWC Tournament for the first time since 2015 – took fourth with 40 points.
 
The poll closed out with Cornell College (38 points), Ripon College (30 points), Beloit College (21 points), Monmouth College (21 points) and Knox College (8 points).
 
Illinois College opens up the 2026 season on Saturday, February 14 with a doubleheader at WashU. MWC play kicks off on Friday, April 3 with six of the nine teams in action.
 
The 2026 MWC Softball Tournament is scheduled for Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9. This season-ending event will feature the league’s top four teams from the final standings, competing for the tournament title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
 
Full preseason poll results and quick facts for all nine league teams are available below.
 
2026 MWC Softball Preseason Coaches’ Poll Results
1. Lake Forest College (6 first-place votes) - 62 points
2. Illinois College (3) - 58 points
3. Grinnell College - 46 points
4. Lawrence University - 40 points
5. Cornell College - 38 points
6. Ripon College - 30 points
T7. Beloit College - 21 points
T7. Monmouth College - 21 points
9. Knox College - 8 points
 
() – indicates first-place votes
*Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own teams.
 
Beloit College Buccaneers
Head Coach: Kim Zarling (19th Season)
2025: 10-30 (overall); 8-8 (MWC)
All-Conference Returnees: Avary Briggs (Sophomore/Pitcher & Outfielder)
 
Cornell College Rams
Head Coach: Robin Brand (1st Season)
2025: 16-20 (overall); 8-8 (MWC)
All-Conference Returnees: Peyton Souhrada (Senior/Outfielder), Elise Oleson (Junior/Infielder), Alexa Corona (Sophomore/Outfielder), Corrin Kennedy (Junior/Catcher & Outfielder)
 
Grinnell College Pioneers
Head Coach: Lexy Determan (5th Season)
2025: 14-30 (overall); 9-7 (MWC)
All-Conference Returnees: Kayla O’Malley (Sophomore/Outfielder)
 
Illinois College Lady Blues
Head Coach: Samantha Mendez (2nd Season)
2025: 25-18 (overall); 13-3 (MWC)
All-Conference Returnees: Jordan Closs (Senior/Pitcher), Kendall Cole (Senior/Infielder), Brooke Loveall (Senior/Catcher), Shelby Seiler (Junior/Catcher & Outfielder)
 
Knox College Prairie Fire
Head Coach: Casey Hipp (3rd Season)
2025: 2-35 (overall); 1-15 (MWC)
All-Conference Returnees: None
 
Lake Forest College Foresters
Head Coach: Joe Kinsella (20th Season)
2025: 28-16-1 (overall); 14-2 (MWC)
All-Conference Returnees: Emmie Nyen (Senior/Outfielder) 2025 MWC Position Player of the Year, Kyla Chevalier (Senior/Catcher & Infielder), Riley Stiles (Senior/Pitcher & Infielder), Cadence Dempsey (Senior/Infielder), Kaia Mismash (Junior/Outfielder), Paige Ratliff (Junior/Catcher & Utility)
 
Lawrence University Vikings
Head Coach: Korey Krueger (2nd Season)
2025: 19-21 (overall); 10-6 (MWC)
All-Conference Returnees: Janessa Gonzalez (Senior/Infielder & Outfielder), Zoe Doherty (Senior/Infielder), Avery Chilson (Junior/Pitcher & Utility)
 
Monmouth College Fighting Scots
Head Coach: Heather Turnquist (1st Season)
2025: 6-32 (overall); 2-14 (MWC)
All-Conference Returnees: None
 
Ripon College Red Hawks
Head Coach: Emilia Jackson (2nd Season)
2025: 14-24 (overall); 7-9 (MWC)
All-Conference Returnees: Ashlyn Schultz (Sophomore/Catcher & Utility)