KANSAS - After securing a KCAC tournament berth with an eighth-place finish in 2025, Ottawa University was tapped to finish ninth in the 2026 KCAC Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll released by the conference office Friday. The Braves received 88 points in balloting among the league's 14 head coaches and were edged out of the top eight by McPherson College's 89 point total.

Oklahoma Wesleyan University was ranked no. 1 in the poll, tallying 169 total points and 13 of 14 first-place votes. Friends University was ranked no. 2 in the conference's preseason poll, with 157 total points and the one remaining first-place vote.

Rounding out the Top Five of the KCAC Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll were Kansas Wesleyan University at No. 3 (131 total points), Tabor College at No. 4 (124 total points), and Evangel University at No. 5 (113 total points).

Ottawa opens the 2026 season on the road at Central Methodist University on August 22, with a 5:30 p.m. kickoff against the Eagles.
 

2026 KCAC WOMEN'S SOCCER PRESEASON COACHES' POLL

1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University - 169 pts (13 first-place votes)
2. Friends University - 157 pts (1)
3. Kansas Wesleyan University - 131 pts
4. Tabor College - 124 pts
5. Evangel University - 113 pts
6. University of Saint Mary - 94 pts
7. Avila University - 93 pts
8. McPherson College - 89
9. Ottawa University - 88 pts
10. Southwestern College - 83 pts
11. York University - 56 pts
12. Bethel College - 35 pts
13. Sterling College - 22 pts
14. Bethany College - 20 pts