KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Pittsburg State University softball team was picked first in the 2026 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll released today (Jan. 23).

The Gorillas received 141 points (10 first place votes) in the voting of the 13 MIAA member school head coaches, marking the first time in program history to be picked to claim the MIAA regular season crown. Central Oklahoma, Missouri Southern and Rogers State were the other member schools to pick up a first-place vote and were picked second-fourth. Central Missouri, Washburn, Missouri Western and Emporia State rounded out the top eight teams. 

Coming off a 38-16 overall record last season and making its second straight appearance in the NCAA Division II National Tournament, the Gorillas under the direction of second year head coach Josh Barnes return 11 letter winners from a season ago, led by All-American Heather Arnett.

This season the Gorillas will begin the season in Daytona Beach, Fla., in the Embry-Riddle Invitational (Jan. 30 - Feb. 1). Pittsburg State is slated for five games while in Florida, playing against Mount Olive, Embry-Riddle, Ferris State and Columbus State at the Embry-Riddle Softball Field.

2026 MIAA Softball Preseason Poll
1. Pittsburg State [10] - 141 points
2. Central Oklahoma [1] - 125 points
3. Missouri Southern [1] - 116 points
4. Rogers State [1] -111 points
5. Central Missouri - 101 points
6. Washburn - 96 points
7. Missouri Western - 84 points
8. Emporia State - 65 points
9. Northwest Missouri - 49 points
10. Fort Hays State - 45 points
11. Nebraska - Kearney - 43 points
12. Northeastern State - 26 points
13. Newman - 12 points
[#] - First Place Votes