BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Southwest Minnesota State women's soccer team was picked to finish 13^th in the 2026 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, released on Monday by the conference.
 
Reigning conference champions Minnesota State were ranked first, earning 223 points, and receiving 13 first place votes (coaches cannot vote for their own school). Concordia-St. Paul ranked second with 203 points and the remaining three first place votes. Bemidji State, Augustana, and St. Cloud State rounded out the top five with 193 points, 174 points, and 164 points respectively.
 
CSP's Sophia Haase was named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year while MSU's Mila Rustin was named Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
 
SMSU under fifth-year head coach Clay Glasgow, returns 13 letter winners from a team that finished with a record of 3-15, 2-13 NSIC. The Mustangs have a total of seven seniors, four juniors, three sophomores, and five freshmen.
 
"SMSU Women's soccer team preparation for fall began in the Spring. Majority of our athletes had the opportunity to compete in different competitive soccer environment throughout the summer, for which will surely assist with their overall readiness for the fall," Glasgow said. "Just by having conversations with our athletes, I know that our young women are very eager to show their development. This group of young women is very optimistic and ready to compete. This group of young women is committed and ready to uphold our core values."
 
SMSU's Jada Backes and Sophia Sonnek were both named NSIC 'Players to Watch'.
 
Backes, a junior forward from Rapid City, S.D., played in 16 games, while starting in 10. She played a total of 1066 minutes and scored against Minnesota State Moorhead.
 
"We are expecting a standout year for Jada. Her demeanor is characterized by a calmness, unwavering respect and trustworthiness," said Glasgow. "We are very excited to see her growth, relentlessness, and overall her dominance in the fall. What we admire most about Jada is her willingness to overcome challenges for which exemplifies her mental growth mindset. There's absolutely no doubt that Jada will be very instrumental in helping our program reach greater heights."
 
Sonnek, a defender from Delano, Minn., also played in 16 games last season, starting in six, and delivering two assists.
 
"I must say, it's been a great privilege being part of Sophia's student athlete career at SMSU," Glasgow said. "We are very grateful for her contribution and perspective on our team. Sophia experience will be very vital for our team in the fall. She is very competitive, passionate and holds herself and teammates accountable to the highest standards. We are truly excited for her to flourish this fall and beyond in every aspect of her life."
 
The Mustangs host two exhibition games at Mattke Field on Aug. 15 and Aug. 20, before beginning the regular season at home against Ferris State on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 1 p.m. SMSU's NSIC campaign also begins at home on Sept. 11, against Minnesota Duluth, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m.