BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Southwest Minnesota State University women's golf team was picked to finish seventh in the annual 13-team NSIC Preseason Conference Coaches' Poll released on Wednesday.
Minnesota State was picked to win the conference earning 131 points including nine first-place votes (coaches cannot vote for their own team). Augustana finished with 122 points (one first-place vote) to place second, while Winona State was selected third with 113 points. Sioux Falls earned 109 points (one first-place vote) for fourth place, followed by Wayne State with 106 points (one first-place vote). Concordia-St. Paul was sixth with 86 points with SMSU in seventh recording 78 points.
SMSU head coach
Ross Webskowski—entering his 22
nd season—returns six letter winners on the 2025 roster, which includes three seniors, one junior, two sophomores and one freshman. SMSU finished ninth at the NSIC Championships last April.
"We have a strong senior class that will lead our team this season. I am excited to watch their leadership and play some great golf," Webskowski said. "Our other returners will have the opportunity be in new roles which is exciting, and I am looking forward to seeing their progression. We also have a talented freshman who I believe will contribute to our team's success this season."
SMSU senior
Berkley Steffen was named a NSIC 'Athlete to Watch' this season. Steffen is the team's top returning letter winner after finishing third on the team last season with an 84.8 stroke average in 21 rounds.
"Berkley is a strong leader on our team. She is an experienced golfer who is successful because of her competitiveness and passion to win," Webskowski said. "Her positive and welcoming personality make her a great leader as she is a joy to be around and connects well with those around her. I am excited to see her compete at a high level this season."
Senior
Isabella Jacobs returns after ranking fourth on the squad a season ago with an 85.3 average in 21 rounds, while senior
Meghan Pundsack played in 19 rounds last season recording an 87.9 average. Junior
Roni Hook and sophomores
Allie Nedved and
Natalie Appel all return after each played in 16 rounds a season ago.
During his 21 seasons as head coach, Webskowksi has led SMSU to a pair of NSIC championships and six NCAA region tournaments.
The Mustangs will compete in five events this fall including hosting the 27
th annual EverSpring Inn & Suites Mustang Invite on Sept. 27-28 at the Marshall Golf Club.
SMSU, which opens practice on Thursday, begins the season on Sept. 2-3 at the Central Region Preview played at Adams Point Golf Club in Blue Springs, Mo.
The three-round NSIC Championship will take place next spring on April 22-24, 2026, at Adams Point Golf Club in Blue Springs, Mo.
