The Augustana Vikings enter the 2026 campaign with a fourth‑place finish in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll, a placement that follows an 11‑5‑3 record from the previous season.
Preseason Outlook
Head coach Brandon Barkus, who has guided the program since 2006 and accumulated more than 200 career wins, emphasizes that the team's blend of seasoned seniors and promising newcomers creates a solid foundation for success both on the field and in the classroom.
Key Players
Among the seniors, forward Madelyn White has been highlighted as the offensive player to watch; she scored 13 goals and added two assists in 19 appearances last year, earning All‑NSIC First Team and D2CCA All‑Central Region First Team honors.
Defensive anchor Ahslyn Kelliher, a junior, is similarly praised for her steadiness at the back, having started 17 of 19 games and helping the Vikings limit opponents to just 0.89 goals per contest.
The roster will feature 12 fresh athletes joining 24 returning players, a mix that Barkus believes will deepen depth and add new dimensions to the side.
The season officially begins on August 28, 2026, when the Vikings travel to face Southern Nazarene in their first test of the year.
With a coaching staff anchored by Barkus, a talented core led by White and Kelliher, and a refreshed lineup, Augustana looks to translate preseason optimism into a competitive campaign.