BURNSVILLE, Minn. - For the seventh consecutive season, Augustana University was chosen as the favorite in the NSIC Preseason Softball Coaches’ Poll. This marks the eighth time (2012, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026) that the Vikings have been selected by the coaches to win the league. The Vikings, the five-time defending regular season champions, amassed 221 points and 12 first place votes (coaches cannot rank their own team). Winona State was second with 202 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 15 points, second 14, third 13, etc.
The 2026 NSIC Softball season gets underway with non-conference play on January 30, while the 28-game NSIC schedule is set to begin on Saturday, March 21.
The 2026 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 6-9, 2026; hosted by Augustana University. The tournament will be streamed on the NSIC Network, with tournament passes or single game access available for purchase.