CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Nebraska Wesleyan University Women's Soccer has been picked to finish sixth in the American Rivers Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll for the 2026 season, as announced by the league Wednesday.
The Prairie Wolves earned 20 points in the preseason poll, finishing nine points ahead of Buena Vista University. Loras College was selected as the preseason favorite with 49 points, including seven first-place votes.
Nebraska Wesleyan went 2-4-2 in A-R-C play a season ago, earning its most conference points since 2019. The Prairie Wolves closed the 2025 conference schedule on a strong note, going 2-1-2 over their final five league contests while outscoring opponents 9-6.
The Prairie Wolves return All-A-R-C forward
Averie Hike, who enters her senior season as one of the team's most experienced players. Hike has made 50 career appearances in the Black & Gold and started all 16 matches for Nebraska Wesleyan in 2025. She logged 1,128 minutes, ranking fourth on the team, while scoring eight goals and adding five assists for 21 total points.
Emily Abeyta also returns for her sophomore campaign following an impressive freshman season in 2025. Abeyta started 14 matches along the attacking line and logged 987 minutes, which ranked seventh among NWU field players. She helped lead a Prairie Wolves offense that ranked sixth in the A-R-C while scoring five goals and adding an assist.
Nebraska Wesleyan also returns three additional players who logged more than 1,000 minutes last season. Sophomore defender Bella Stermer returns after appearing in all 16 matches as a freshman in 2025. Captains, Emma Parker and Emily Jasa also return, bringing additional experience and leadership to the Prairie Wolves in 2026.
Nebraska Wesleyan opens its 34th season Wednesday, Aug. 26, traveling to Crete, Nebraska, to face Doane University. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
2026 American Rivers Conference Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Loras College - 49 (7)
2. University of Dubuque - 42
3. Simpson College - 38
4. Wartburg College - 28
5. Central College - 27
6. Nebraska Wesleyan University - 20
7. Buena Vista University - 11
8. Coe College - 9
(#) denotes first-place votes
