KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced its Preseason Coaches Poll for the 2023 women’s soccer season. Central Missouri, the defending MIAA champion, was picked to finish at the top of the league again this season.
 
Central Missouri totaled 119 points and the majority first place votes in the 2023 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll. The 2022 regular season title was the Jennies’ third consecutive championship. Last season, the Jennies finished 9-1-1 against MIAA opponents and finished the season 19-2-2 overall.
 
Emporia State was tabbed second in the coaches poll with 109 points and two first place selections. The Hornets finished second in the league last season with a record of 7-1-3. In post season play, Emporia State defeated Central Missouri 1-0 in the 2022 Central Region Semifinals to advance to the regional championship match where the Hornets suffered a loss in a penalty kick shootout to Bemidji State.
 
Northwest Missouri was picked No. 3 with 103 total points and the final first place nod. The Bearcats finished third in the MIAA last season with a league record of 8-3 and had a 13-5-3 performance overall.
 
Fort Hays State occupied the No. 4 spot with 87 points while Central Oklahoma concluded the coaches’ top-five, just two points behind the Tigers. 
 
Washburn was slatted No. 6 with 66 points, Northeastern State tabbed No. 7 with 60 points, Missouri Western was picked No. 8 with 51 points and Rogers State finished at No. 9 with 40 points. Missouri Southern was selected No. 10, Nebraska Kearney No. 11, and Newman No. 12.
 
The first matches of the 2023 season begin on Thursday, August 31, with MIAA matches set to begin Sunday, September 24. To see the complete schedule for each team in the MIAA, click here. 
 
2023 MIAA Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri (9) – 119 points
2. Emporia State (2) – 109 points
3. Northwest Missouri (1) – 103 points
4. Fort Hays State – 87 points
5. Central Oklahoma – 85 points
6. Washburn – 66 points
7. Northeastern State – 60 points
8. Missouri Western – 51 points
9. Rogers State – 40 points
10. Missouri Southern – 25 points
11. Nebraska Kearney – 22 points
12. Newman – 18 points