KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Washburn Ichabods were tabbed sixth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches poll that was released Friday by the MIAA office. The Washburn Ichabods softball team will open its 56th season of action on Jan. 30 playing five games over three days at the Lone Star Classic in Mansfield, Texas.
 
Overall the Ichabods will spend the first three weekends of the season on the road before opening the home slate at Gahnstrom Field Feb. 20-22 at the annual Washburn Invitational.
 
 2026 MIAA SOFTBALL PRESEASON RANKINGS
1. Pittsburg State [10] – 141 points
2. Central Oklahoma [1] – 125 points
3. Missouri Southern [1] – 116 points
4. Rogers State [1] – 111 points
5. Central Missouri – 101 points
6. Washburn – 96 points
7. Missouri Western – 84 points
8. Emporia State – 65 points
9. Northwest Missouri – 49 points
10. Fort Hays State – 45 points
11. Nebraska Kearney – 43 points
12. Northeastern State – 26 points
13. Newman – 12 points