Women's Soccer | 8/19/2026 2:00:00 PM
August 19, 2026 – The MIAA released their 2026 MIAA Women's Soccer Preseason Poll on Wednesday afternoon, and Emporia State was picked seventh heading into the season.
Washburn is picked first with 138 points and 13 first-place votes, while Pittsburg State is just behind with 136 points and the remaining six first-place nominations. Central Missouri with 119 points and Missouri Western with 108 rounds out the top four. Central Oklahoma and Northwest Missouri reside just in front of the Hornets at five and six before the Hornets spot in seventh with 85 points.
The Hornets return six players that earned All-MIAA honors, including Ella Favot and Megan Kephart, who were both named Second Team after tallying 17 points each. Favot was the leading scorer with seven goals while Kephart had five goals and a team-high seven assists. Peyton Pipes, Ruby Ryan, Madeline Bracy and Sammy Quiroz were all honorable mention selections, while Hailey Gancarz returns after scoring four goals with three assists.
Emporia State begins their season on Thursday, August 27 with a road match against Drury at 5:00 p.m. in Springfield, Mo. The Hornets' home opener will follow on Saturday, August 29 against #21 Maryville at 11:00 a.m. on the ESU Pitch.
2026 MIAA WOMEN'S SOCCER
PRESEASON COACHES POLL
1. Washburn [7] – 138 points
2. Pittsburg State [6] – 136 points
3. Central Missouri – 119 points
4. Missouri Western – 108 points
5. Central Oklahoma – 96 points
6. Northwest Missouri – 92 points
7. Emporia State – 85 points
8. Northeastern State – 66 points
9. Nebraska Kearney – 45 points
10. Fort Hays State – 43 points
11. Rogers State – 41 points
12. Missouri Southern – 25 points
13. Newman – 22 points
[#] - First Place Votes
