A Promising Start
The 2026 preseason women's soccer poll placed Minot State eighth among conference rivals, awarding the Beavers 121 points and signaling cautious optimism for the upcoming campaign.
Coach Adam Dailey, now in his third year at the helm, emphasized that the ranking reflects the program's steady progress and the team's commitment to building on last season's foundation.
Among the standout athletes, forward Linnea Svenzén, a graduate student recovering from an ACL injury, and senior defender Brittney Egbert, recognized for her consistency and leadership, are expected to anchor the lineup and drive the team's ambitions.
The coaching staff also highlighted Sophie Haase, named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, and Mila Rustin, the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, underscoring the dual threat the Beavers bring to both ends of the field.
A Busy Non‑Conference Schedule
The non‑conference slate begins with a trip to California, where Minot State will open against Cal Poly Pomona on August 27 and Cal State Los Angeles on August 29 before returning home for the first matchup against Jamestown on September 4.
Prior to those games, the Beavers will host three preseason scrimmages against Red‑White, the Magic City Legends and North Dakota State College of Science, using the contests to fine‑tune tactics and build chemistry.
Conference expectations remain high, with Minnesota State leading the poll with 223 points and 13 first‑place votes, followed by Concordia‑St. Paul and Bemidji State, setting a competitive backdrop for the Beavers' campaign.
Looking Forward
As the season unfolds, the team hopes to translate early momentum into a strong conference run, leveraging chemistry forged in the offseason and the experience of veterans like Brittney Egbert to pursue a deep postseason run.