MIDDLETOWN, Ohio – The River States Conference announced its 2026 Softball Preseason Coaches Poll on Thursday, with IU Columbus projected to build on last season's success after a strong finish to the 2025 campaign that saw the Crimson Pride place third in the RSC Softball Championship Tournament.

Led by Head Coach Tommi Stowers, IU Columbus enters the spring with high expectations and renewed energy. Stowers' staff features a key new addition in Erica Henry, a former Crimson Pride standout pitcher who returns to the program in a coaching role.

The Crimson Pride aim to continue their upward trajectory in 2026, combining a competitive core of returning players with a growing program culture focused on consistency, leadership, and postseason success.

Rio Grande was picked as the preseason favorite, earning 76 points and five first-place votes. Oakland City followed in second with 71 points and three first-place votes, while IU Southeast ranked third with 64 points. Shawnee State earned 60 points and two first-place votes, and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods rounded out the top five with 48 points.

IU Columbus ranked sixth with 46 points, ahead of Kentucky Christian (29), Midway (29), Brescia (15), and WVU Tech (13).

The Crimson Pride open the 2026 season this spring eager to build on last year's progress and compete for another deep postseason run under Stowers' leadership.

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2026 RSC Softball Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Rio Grande – 76 points (5 first-place votes)

2. Oakland City – 71 points (3 first-place votes)

3. IU Southeast – 64 points

4. Shawnee State – 60 points (2 first-place votes)

5. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods – 48 points

6. IU Columbus – 46 points

7. Kentucky Christian – 29 points

8. Midway – 28 points

9. Brescia – 15 points

10. WVU Tech – 13 points

For the latest news and updates on IU Columbus Crimson Pride Athletics, visit iuccrimsonpride.com or follow @IUCAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

For full poll, click here.