KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced its 2023 Softball Preseason Coaches Poll. The defending NCAA Division II National Champion Rogers State finished at the top of the poll.  
 
The Hillcats softball team won Rogers State's first-ever NCAA National Championship and the Association’s first national softball title since 2013. Rogers State ended its 2022 season with an overall record of 58-10 while finishing 20-6 against MIAA competition. The defending MIAA Tournment Champions totaled 161 points in the poll and received seven first place votes.
 
Washburn, the defending MIAA Regular Season Champion, was selected second in the preseason poll with 158 points and five first place votes. The Ichabods finished their 2022 campaign with a MIAA record of 24-2 to clinch the league title for the first time since 2018. Central Oklahoma received the final two first place votes and totaled 125 points to finished third in the poll. The Bronchos ended their 2022 MIAA season with a record of 23-3 for second place in the regular season standings.  
 
Missouri Western was tabbed fourth with 125 points while Missouri Southern rounded out the top-five with 114 points. Central Missouri and Northeastern State finished in a close race for sixth and seventh in the poll. The Jennies where picked sixth with 102 points while the RiverHawks finished in seventh with 101 points. Nebraska Kearney finished eighth with 86 points, Pittsburg State was picked ninth with 69 points and Emporia State claimed the No. 10 spot with 65 points.
 
Fort Hays State was picked 11th, Northwest Missouri 12th and Newman 13th while Lincoln concluded the poll in 14th.
 
Opening day for the 2023 softball season is scheduled for Friday, February 3, with MIAA double headers beginning Friday, March 10.  
 
Below is the results of the 2023 MIAA Softball Preseason Coaches Poll. To see a complete schedule of all MIAA softball action, click here.
 
2023 MIAA Softball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Rogers State [7] – 161 Points
2. Washburn [5] – 158 Points
3. Central Oklahoma [2] – 151 Points
4. Missouri Western – 125 Points
5. Missouri Southern – 114 Points
6. Central Missouri – 102 Points
7. Northeastern State – 101 Points
8. Nebraska Kearney – 86 Points
9. Pittsburg State – 69 Points
10. Emporia State – 65 Points
11. Fort Hays State – 57 Points
12. Northwest Missouri – 37 Points
13. Newman – 35 Points
14. Lincoln – 13 Points