WPU Looking for Improvement in 2026
Oskaloosa–The Statesmen women’s soccer team is seeking to make a jump in the league standings as the 2026 Heart of America Athletic Conference Coaches’ Poll was released Wednesday.
William Penn, which was 3-13-1 (2-11 Heart) a season ago, is projected to tie for 13th out of 15 teams in the conference with 34 points.
Missouri Valley is first in the standings with 213 points and nine first-place votes, while Central Methodist is right on the Vikings’ heels with 211 points and the final six first-place nods. MidAmerica Nazarene also cleared 200 points (205) to sit in the third spot.
Benedictine (178) and Park (149) round out the top five, while Heart newcomer St. Ambrose (147) leads the remaining crew. Clarke (139), Graceland (108), Missouri Baptist (106), Mount Mercy (101), Culver-Stockton (81), Baker (67), Grand View (34), and William Woods (27) conclude the poll.
The navy and gold begin the fall on August 22 with a home matchup against Northwestern at 5 p.m. The Statesmen play at Drost Field 11 times this year.
2026 Heart Preseason Coaches’ Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Missouri Valley–213 (9)
2. Central Methodist–211 (6)
3. MidAmerica Nazarene–205
4. Benedictine–178
5. Park–149
6. St. Ambrose–147
7. Clarke–139
8. Graceland–108
9. Missouri Baptist–106
10. Mount Mercy–101
11. Culver-Stockton–81
12. Baker–67
13. Grand View–34
13. William Penn–34
15. William Woods–27
