BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Southwest Minnesota State University women's golf team was picked to finish eighth in the annual 14-team NSIC Preseason Conference Coaches' Poll released on Tuesday.
 
Wayne State was picked to win the conference earning 178 points including 11 first-place votes (coaches cannot vote for their own team). Minnesota State finished with 157 points (three first-place vote) to place second, while Concordia-St. Paul was selected third with 143 points, Augustana earned 121 points for fourth place, while Sioux Falls was fifth with 118 points. Winona State ranked sixth with 86 points, followed by Minnesota Crookston in seventh recording 97 points, while SMSU was eighth earning 79 points.
 
SMSU head coach Ross Webskowski—entering his 23^rd season—returns three letter winners on the 2026 roster, which includes two juniors and one sophomore. A total of five true freshmen round out the roster. SMSU finished eighth at the NSIC Championships last April.
 
"What excites me most about this year's team is the balance of experience and opportunity. We have a roster that blends proven leadership with a large group of talented newcomers ready to make an immediate impact," Webskowski said. "That kind of makeup creates energy throughout the program—veteran players set the standard while freshmen push everyone to improve every day. The current roster reflects that youthful foundation, with returning experience from upperclassmen and a sizable incoming class."
 
SMSU sophomore Carly Hamman was named a NSIC 'Athlete to Watch' this season. Hamman is the team's top returning letter winner after finishing fourth on the team last season with an 87-stroke average in 21 rounds.
 
"After an impressive freshman campaign, Carly enters her sophomore season as a rising star," Webskowski said. "She played a key role in our team success last year and has the ability to anchor this year's team. I look forward to watching her step into a leadership role and helping elevate our program's success this year."
 
Junior Allie Nedved returns after ranking fifth on the squad a season ago with an 88.5 average in 21 rounds, while junior Natalie Appel also returns after playing in 13 rounds a season ago.
 
During his 22 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 28^th annual EverSpring Inn & Suites Mustang Invite on Sept. 26-27 at the Marshall Golf Club.
 
SMSU, which opens practice on Thursday, begins the season on Sept. 8-9 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 16-18, 2027, at Adams Point Golf Club in Blue Springs, Mo.