TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (Jan. 22, 2026) — Northeastern State softball was picked to finish 12th in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association preseason coaches poll released Friday.

The RiverHawks received 26 points in the voting by MIAA head coaches as they prepare for the 2026 campaign. NSU will open its season on Jan. 30 in Gulf Shores, Alabama, marking the first season under first-year head coach Cassidy Bowen. 

Bowen, a former standout at the University of Tulsa and most recently an assistant coach at Concordia University Texas, was introduced as NSU's head softball coach in June 2025. 

Pittsburg State was selected as the preseason favorite in the poll with 141 points and 10 first-place votes. Central Oklahoma (125) and Missouri Southern (116) also earned first-place votes, while Rogers State (111) rounded out the top four. Central Missouri (101) and Washburn (96) followed in the middle of the rankings.

Here is the 2026 MIAA Softball Preseason Coaches Poll, with first-place votes in brackets:

Pittsburg State [10] – 141
Central Oklahoma [1] – 125
Missouri Southern [1] – 116
Rogers State [1] – 111
Central Missouri – 101
Washburn – 96
Missouri Western – 84
Emporia State – 65
Northwest Missouri – 49
Fort Hays State – 45
Nebraska Kearney – 43
Northeastern State – 26
Newman – 12

NSU opens its season with tournament play in Gulf Shores and will begin MIAA competition in mid-March.