Central Methodist Picked to Lead 2026 Heart Softball Conference Coaches’ Poll 

Central Methodist University has been selected as the favorite in the 2026 Heart of America Athletic Conference Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll, earning 215 points to lead the conference entering the spring season. 

2026 Heart Softball Conference Coaches' Poll 

Central Methodist – 215 
Grand View – 210 
Missouri Baptist – 199 
Baker – 174 
Benedictine – 165 
Park – 154 
Mount Mercy – 131 
William Penn – 111 
MidAmerica Nazarene – 101 
William Woods – 93 
Clarke – 66 
Graceland – 60 
Culver-Stockton – 57 
Peru State – 38 
Missouri Valley – 26 

Eagles Return After Deep Postseason Run 

Central Methodist enters the 2026 season ranked No. 8 nationally in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and returns as the 2025 Heart regular-season champion. The Eagles are coming off a strong 2025 campaign, finishing 42–11 overall and making their third consecutive appearance at the NAIA Softball World Series, where they were eliminated in their third game by Georgia Gwinnett College. 

Close behind in the poll is Grand View University, which captured the 2025 Heart Softball Championship with a 3–2 extra-inning victory over Baker University, marking the program's first conference tournament title since 2018. Grand View enters the season ranked No. 11 nationally, while Missouri Baptist University sits third in the preseason poll and is ranked No. 15 nationally. Benedictine College is also receiving votes in the NAIA national rankings. 

Heart Softball Positioned for Competitive 2026 Season 

The Heart returns several nationally recognized programs entering the 2026 campaign, highlighted by Central Methodist's continued postseason success and Grand View's conference tournament title. Missouri Baptist and Benedictine add further depth among teams receiving national recognition. 

With proven contenders and strong depth across the conference, the 2026 Heart softball season is set for another competitive race for the regular-season title and the Heart Softball Championship.