2024 NSIC Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll

1/24/2024 10:00:00 AM

Augustana picked in NSIC Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll

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BURNSVILLE, Minn. - For the fifth consecutive season, Augustana University was chosen as the favorite in the NSIC Preseason Softball Coaches’ Poll. This marks the sixth time (2012, 2020, 2021,  2022 & 2023) that the Vikings have been selected by the coaches to win the league. The Vikings, the three-time defending regular season champions,  amassed 193  points and 11 first place votes (coaches cannot rank their own team). The 2023 NSIC Tournament Champions of Minnesota Duluth were second with 186 points and the other four first place votes.  

The preseason coaches’ poll is based off each coach ranking each team with the top team receiving 14 points, second 13, third 12, etc.

The 2024 NSIC Softball season gets underway with non-conference play in February, while the 28-game NSIC schedule is set to begin on Saturday, March 23.

The 2024 NSIC Softball Tournament will have a 10-team single elimination format over four days played at Bowden Field in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on May 1-4, 2024; hosted by Augustana University. The tournament will be streamed on the NSIC Network, with tournament passes or single game access available for purchase.  

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#10 Torri Chute (C/INF, 5-6, Sr., L/L, Woodbury, Minn. / Stillwater HS) - Augustana University
  • 2023 NSIC Player of the Year & Three-Time First Team All-NSIC
  • First Team D2CCA All-America and Second Team NFCA All-America
  • First Team All-Region from NFCA and D2CCA 
  • Louisville Slugger/NFCA National Player of the Week on May 2 
  • Led the NSIC in batting average (.444) and total bases (120)
  • Ranked 24th in nation with that batting average 
  • Ranked 15th in NCAA DII with 19 doubles
  • Totaled 72 hits, ranking second in the NSIC with nine home runs, 29 walks
  • Slugged at a .741 clip with 24 multi-hit games
  • 2023 NSIC All-Tournament Team 
Torri has had an amazing career at Augustana. She has started since her freshman year and has been a three time All-American. She is an elite hitter who has great hand/eye coordination. She has been part of many successful teams in her years at Augie, including having been to the National Tournament in 2021. She is a force to be reckoned with at the plate. Torri has a love of all sports and is completing her Master's Degree in Sports Administration and Leadership. Although not a very vocal person in general, Torri has progressively over the years become more of a vocal leader on our team. It has been fun to watch Torri transform as a shy, reserved player to the confident, dominate player that she is today.
Head Coach Gretta Melsted
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#24 Lauren Dixon (LHP, 5-6, Sr., Sobieski, Wis. / Pulaski HS) - University of Minnesota Duluth
  • 2023 NSIC Pitcher of the Year
  • 2023 All-NSIC First Team 
  • 2023 NFCA & D2CCA All-Central Region First Team
  • Set the program record for career strikeouts with 585
  • Held a 1.50 ERA over 172.2 innings pitched allowing 37 earned runs with 228 strikeouts
  • Finished with a 21-5 record with 11 shutouts 
  • 2023 NSIC All-Tournament Team 
  • College Sports Communicators Academic All-America Second Team
Lauren continues to be a dominating presence on the mound and that’s earned through her diligent work ethic, growth mindset, and disciplined approach. She had a stellar season last year and again was the ace of our staff, collecting over 68% of our team's single season strikeouts. She already holds UMD’s career strikeout record. She’s one that’s taken on a mentor role this year and I appreciate that servant leadership in the bullpen. Lauren continues to get it done in the classroom as well-she’s a Chemical Engineering major that maintains an extremely high GPA and has earned CSC Academic All-America Second Team honors thus far.
Head Coach Lynn Anderson

COACHES' QUOTES & PLAYERS/PITCHERS TO WATCH

1 - AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY

This is a very talented Augustana team. We return a very talented group of hitters (including 2 All Americans) and have added depth to our pitching staff that already had a lot of talent. We have high expectations and will challenge ourselves with a tough schedule. This team is extremely coachable and are a pure joy to be around. Aside from their softball talent, this is group of truly wonderful human beings.
Head Coach Gretta Melsted
Torri has had an amazing career at Augustana. She has started since her freshman year and has been a three time All-American. She is an elite hitter who has great hand/eye coordination. She has been part of many successful teams in her years at Augie, including having been to the National Tournament in 2021. She is a force to be reckoned with at the plate. Torri has a love of all sports and is completing her Master's Degree in Sports Administration and Leadership. Although not a very vocal person in general, Torri has progressively over the years become more of a vocal leader on our team. It has been fun to watch Torri transform as a shy, reserved player to the confident, dominate player that she is today.
Head Coach Gretta Melsted
Grace is in her first year at Augustana as a transfer pitcher from SDSU. Grace is a dominant pitcher having had a lot of success at the DI level including being the Summit League pitcher of the Year, Freshman of the Year, and an NFCA All Region pitcher. She is grinder who works extremely hard and has a very high softball IQ. Grace is no stranger to Augie, having grown up in Sioux Falls. She is very coachable, with an upbeat personality that uplifts everyone around her. She is an amazing pitcher who will make her mark on our program and on the NSIC.
Head Coach Gretta Melsted

8 - BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY

We are very excited to see this team compete this spring. They are an amazing group of student/athletes who work hard and uphold the standards and values of Bemidji State Softball. They are an incredibly coachable group and continue to grow has been fun to watch.
Head Coach Jordan Petersen
Mariah is a true student of the game and continues to work hard as a teammate to be the best she can be. She has worked hard in the off season and is setting herself up to have an impactful year. Mariah is a steadying force for us that brings maturity, drive, and pure love of the game and that has a positive influence on the entire team.
Head Coach Jordan Petersen
Stella continues to grow and develop as a leader of our pitching staff. We are excited for her experience and leadership, which encourages the advancement of the rest of our staff. Her ability to be coachable and adapt to in game adjustments sets her apart. Stella's pure grittiness will be her main strength this season.
Head Coach Jordan Petersen

7 - CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, ST. PAUL

We return six starters, and we feel really good about the players that will be stepping in to the spots that we lost to graduation. Our goal is to have a balanced offense, one that can continue to hit the ball over the fence and have timely hitting. We’re going to work on being more aggressive on the base paths hoping that will lead to more runs scored. We believe we have the pieces to keep improving in the circle, and on defense to improve our standing in NSIC play.
Head Coach Bob Bartel
Clara brings a vast amount of experience to our lineup, she’s been our starting centerfielder since day 1 of her freshman year. She’s the heart and soul of this team, a fierce competitor and true leader on and off the field.
Head Coach Bob Bartel
Erica has been an integral part of our pitching staff for two seasons now, that experience and her drive to continue to improve will benefit her and our team. Erica has a great compete level that is evident whenever she’s in the circle, she’s a confident pitcher that will do whatever she can to help her team win.
Head Coach Bob Bartel

15 - UNIVERSITY OF MARY

This year's softball team is filled with some of the most determined and hardworking players I have ever coached. Our girls are tenacious , passionate and committed to the growth and success of this program. They have put a tremendous amount of work in this fall and I am excited to see the results on the field.
Head Coach Amy Schmeckpeper
Nelly is one of our most athletic returners who will provide experience in key positions on the field. She has grown both physical and mentally this fall as a result of her hard work and determination. I am excited to see how she performs this spring.
Head Coach Amy Schmeckpeper
Emari will be one of our strongest pitchers this year. She had an exceptional fall and worked hard to improve her skill set, while providing composure and experience on the mound. A leader for our program, Emari is a compassionate teammate and dedicated student athlete. I am excited to see what this season has in store for her.
Head Coach Amy Schmeckpeper

14 - UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CROOKSTON

Our team brings back a lot of experience from the last couple years where we have made some strides. We have key players back in key positions which is nice, but I am most excited to see some of our players that have not gotten as much playing time step into more prominent roles and see what kind of energy they can bring this team. Finally, our team is hungry to reach the conference postseason and are motivated to make it there.
Head Coach Nick Weinmeister
Whitnee is a player that brings consistency to our offensive lineup and is willing to play anywhere we put her on the field. She is soft spoken, but definitely plays with a fire to win and expects a lot from herself every time she plays. She is a great teammate that everyone likes to be around. Her defensive presence brings a calmness to our infielders and pitchers and is something that I am thankful for as her coach.
Head Coach Nick Weinmeister
Thayda has been a joy to coach. She works hard every day and really cares about the team and our team success over her own personal success. She truly embodies what it means to be a great teammate and still hold herself accountable to complete her individual tasks. Thayda will be sorely missed after this season and we expect her to have a big year as a senior.
Head Coach Nick Weinmeister

2 - UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH

It’s an exciting group to be a part of as they continue to embrace our team values. We have outstanding talent across the entire roster and our players still have that contagious blue-collar work ethic to be great. There’s an insatiable hunger to reach new heights this year, yet the focus is on continual investment in each other and the small steps of the journey.
Head Coach Lynn Anderson
There’s incredible talent throughout our conference and Kiana is one that consistently ranks amongst the top in the league. Always a tough out in the leadoff spot, she reached base in over half of her plate appearances last season. Kiana’s also been the mainstay of our infield at shortstop. She turns in one gritty performance after another, has a knack for making the big plays, and she's a high-level competitor. Beyond that competitive spirit is a supportive, caring teammate and it’s been a joy to watch Kiana grow as a leader for our team.
Head Coach Lynn Anderson
Lauren continues to be a dominating presence on the mound and that’s earned through her diligent work ethic, growth mindset, and disciplined approach. She had a stellar season last year and again was the ace of our staff, collecting over 68% of our team's single season strikeouts. She already holds UMD’s career strikeout record. She’s one that’s taken on a mentor role this year and I appreciate that servant leadership in the bullpen. Lauren continues to get it done in the classroom as well-she’s a Chemical Engineering major that maintains an extremely high GPA and has earned CSC Academic All-America Second Team honors thus far.
Head Coach Lynn Anderson

4 - MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO

What excites me about this year’s team is the combination of our veterans and freshmen class. It was a great fall season to work with and watch Team 40 blend together. It is always exciting when the competition portion of our season rolls around as that is what all the hard work and long hours are about…going out and competing. That is what I am excited for Team 40, to go out and compete!
Head Coach Lori Meyer
Ellie has grown and matured into a vocal leader during her four years in the program. Her growth as a vocal leader has helped us achieve our team goals because she understands and can communicate our expectations and culture. On the field, Ellie is a competitor and plays with passion. These two qualities help her energize and motivate our team which helps create our team atmosphere.
Head Coach Lori Meyer
McKayla is a quiet leader who embodies the “do as I do” rather than “do as I say I do” mentality. Her ability to lead by example allows her to encourage her teammates to take ownership of their work while inspiring confidence in them by trusting and supporting all the work that they have put in. As a graduate student in MSU’s Sport Psychology Program, McKayla understands the importance of and uses the mental game to help her be successful on the mound.
Head Coach Lori Meyer

6 - MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD

We are very excited about this year's team. We have gained depth at key positions and return all of our pitchers, plus one from last year's team. Our incoming class will help make our offensive line up deeper and more balanced. The goal is to compete in the top portion of the conference. We believe the talent is there, but with softball being what it is, only time will tell whether those goals become a reality.
Head Coach Mike Armitage
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Mack is an exceptional hitter and defends 3rd base like a seasoned veteran. Mack continues to work hard and improve her craft both at the plate and on the dirt. She is very much a student of the game and finds ways to get better every time she enters the weight room or practice facilities. Mack is an excellent young person and is very much one of the reasons for our team's success.
Head Coach Mike Armitage
Eliya has the potential to be an outstanding pitch in the NSIC. Battling injuries last season EJ was limited in her innings. When healthy she is able to locate with good velocity and spin on the ball. If we are to take another step forward with our program this year, EJ will be one of the reasons we do so.
Head Coach Mike Armitage

10 - MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY

As with any season, I am excited to get our team on the field against another uniform. Our ladies have been working very hard and making a lot of progress. Our pitching staff has really set the example of being supportive teammates and making the most of every opportunity. Our position players have followed the pitcher's lead and it has made for a lot of high energy practices. I am expecting to see our bats play a larger role in games... last season we just needed a few more timely hits. I am looking forward to seeing a highly confident team take the field this spring.
Head Coach Sal Rodriguez
Paige made an immediate impact on the Minot State program in her true freshman season. Whether she was starting at second base, playing DP, or coming off the bench, she maximized her opportunities. Paige reported for fall camp and it is clear that she has put in a lot of hard work during the summer, taking her defense to the next level, as well as refining her approach at the plate. This fall she has set the example for how to compete with her teammates in a healthy and team first mentality. This selflessness has allowed her to push herself and her teammates to the next level in a supportive, accountable, and positive way.
Head Coach Sal Rodriguez
Reegan is a gamer. It is hard to put it any other way. She brings a contagious attitude to practice and games that is fierce and competitive, but at the same time very relaxed and unbothered. This combination has allowed her to compete with a very mature outlook and approach. Reegan always wants the ball and will take any chance she gets to throw more innings, or help her teammates by shagging balls, running bases during drills, or filling in positions as needed. Reegan has the mentality and approach to be a cornerstone in any rotation.
Head Coach Sal Rodriguez

12 - NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

We are excited for the upcoming season. Northern softball will have more maturing with six seniors and seasoned junior & sophomore class athletes. This team has been working extremally hard this fall with goals for the 2024 season driving them. They are excited to begin and compete on the beautiful Koehler Hall of Fame Field.
Head Coach Ashley Schilling
Claire brings a variety of strengths to our team with her maturity, passion, and unrivaled drive. Claire can assist the team with her hitting, speed, and defense. She has a love for the game that is palpable in her competitive drive and positive presence. Claire gets it done in the classroom as well by assisting in the team's 3.5 GPA this fall. Claire is one of the hardest working player's we have had at Northern.
Head Coach Ashley Schilling
Lexi is in her second year at NSU and she is committed to bettering herself and her teammates by being dedicated and disciplined. Lexi gets it done in the classroom as well as she is pursuing a degree in Human Performance with acceptance into Physical Therapy schools following graduation this spring. Lexi will leave a lasting impact as a two-year captain for our program.
Head Coach Ashley Schilling

11 - UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS

We are excited for the upcoming season. USF will have a little different look after graduating several players and transferring in several new faces. This team has been working hard on and off the field while defining a new culture. We are eager to build a strong foundation for years to come and look forward to forging a new identity on what it means to be a USF Cougar!
Head Coach Erin Bly
Megan is a true veteran on the squad this year. She is a strong offensive player that hits for power and average and will be a strong presence in our lineup. Defensively she will bring a lot of experience and leadership to a very young infield.
Head Coach Erin Bly
Maddi comes to USF from Briar Cliff University after having a great career for a program that saw a lot of success during her tenure. She is a fierce competitor and broke several career and single season records last season and earned all-conference and regional accolades as a freshman. Maddi will have an immediate impact on the mound this year and will bring experience and polish to a very young staff.
Head Coach Erin Bly

9 - SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

This team is a great mix of new faces and returners who have been in key roles since they were freshman. They are eager to continue to grow and get better while also having a competitive edge that sets them apart.
Head Coach Bailey Bouman
Abby had a great sophomore campaign and continues to get better. She not only challenges herself but makes everyone around her better through her competitive edge and high softball IQ.
Head Coach Bailey Bouman
Karlie has all the tools to be a successful in the NSIC and is continuing to grow and get better each outing.
Head Coach Bailey Bouman

5 - ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY

I am looking forward to the team this year. We are youthful, eager, and possess excellent team chemistry. Our roster has a good balance of experience and young talent and we look forward to the challenges this upcoming year will bring.
Head Coach Mitchell Roberts
Holly has a great presence at the plate and leads our offense with an intelligent and gritty approach to her at bats. Holly is a great leader and the type of person you want in your organization. She is a class act on and off the field and is a competitor who plays with joy and passion.
Head Coach Mitchell Roberts
Emma has the ability to change speeds and movement that can produce swings and misses. She shows passion for what she does on and off the field. As she enters her third year, we look for Emma to continue developing after another year of pitching experience against the NSIC and ultimately lead our pitching staff.
Head Coach Mitchell Roberts

13 - WAYNE STATE COLLEGE

We are excited about the potential of this year’s team. It features a group of returners who gained valuable experience throughout last year’s season and have used that experience to integrate a large group of new student athletes into our program. Together they seem to have found their sweet spot. They will be fun to watch as they collectively chase new expectations, goals, and opportunities.
Head Coach Christy Warnock
Lauren matured and endured a massive growth arc throughout her sophomore season. That experience paired with her extraordinary will to put in the work has established her as a leader on this team. She values, encourages, and propels her teammates forward, while also accepting every challenge thrown her way. Lauren will anchor our outfield and bring stability to our offense as well.
Head Coach Christy Warnock
Sami has been a cornerstone pitcher for this program over the past couple of years and she will play a major role for us once again this season. She has a composure on the mound that is dependable, and she continues to look to find ways to keep hitters off balance. With another year of experience behind her, it will be exciting to see Sami step up to new challenges this season.
Head Coach Christy Warnock

3 - WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY

I am excited about our team this year! We are a very young group with a veteran core. This is the largest roster we have ever carried which should lead to some great depth and quality leadership opportunities. I look forward to the growth and development of this team as we take on the challenges of our schedule and season.
Head Coach Greg Jones
Abbie is as dedicated to her craft as anyone we have ever coached at Winona State. Her work ethic and devotion to the game are exceptional. Abbie is disciplined and detail orientated both offensively and defensively. She continues to push herself to new heights all while playing the game with passion and joy!
Head Coach Greg Jones
Abby is a tremendous competitor in the circle. She provides great leadership and resiliency from the middle of the field for us. Abby continues to improve and grow in all aspects of her game. Her guidance and experience will be vital to our team as she heads a youthful pitching staff this season.
Head Coach Greg Jones
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