The Missouri Valley Conference has unveiled its preseason poll for the 2026 women's soccer season, and the numbers tell a clear story: Drake University sits at the summit.
The Bulldogs accumulated 96 points and garnered seven first‑place votes, a decisive margin that reflects the coaches’ confidence in the program’s recent dominance.
Illinois State trailed with two first‑place votes and a total of 83 points, while UIC claimed third spot with 77 points after securing the 2025 MVC championship.
Murray State, Southern Illinois and Indiana State round out the top six, each hoping to translate early‑season expectations into late‑season success.
Schedule and Championship Outlook
The season will open with non‑conference fixtures on August 12, after which conference play will resume on September 19, setting a compact timeline for the campaign.
The MVC championship tournament is slated to commence in November, featuring the top six finishers, with quarterfinal matches scheduled to start on November 8.
Key Players to Watch
Among the standout athletes, forward Breece Bass and goalkeeper Madi Valenti have earned spots on the United Soccer Coaches’ 2026 NCAA Women’s Players to Watch list, highlighting their potential influence on the upcoming season.
Their inclusion underscores the depth of talent on Drake’s roster and suggests that the Bulldogs will rely heavily on these contributors as they defend their title.