Bears Picked Second in CUSA Preseason Poll
August 06, 2026 | Women's Soccer
DALLAS - Missouri State women's soccer was selected to finish second in the 2026 Conference USA Preseason Poll, the league announced Thursday.
The Bears collected 62 points in voting by the conference's 10 head coaches, finishing one point ahead of third-place Delaware. Liberty topped the poll with nine first-place votes and 81 total points, while Delaware received the remaining first-place vote and 61 points. WKU (55) and FIU (52) rounded out the top five.
Missouri State enters its second season in Conference USA after advancing to the CUSA Championship final during its inaugural campaign in the league. The Bears defeated WKU and Middle Tennessee by identical 2-0 scores in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds before facing Liberty in the championship match.
Head coach Kirk Nelson enters his fifth season at the helm with 19 returning players from last year's conference runner-up squad. The returning group includes Ellie Neath, Jane Hansen and Ella Becker, who were each named to the 2025 CUSA All-Tournament Team following the Bears' run to the championship match.
Fans will have their first opportunity to see the 2026 Bears at home Saturday, Aug. 8, when Missouri State hosts Saint Louis in an exhibition match. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium
2026 CUSA Preseason Poll (First Place Votes)
The Bears collected 62 points in voting by the conference's 10 head coaches, finishing one point ahead of third-place Delaware. Liberty topped the poll with nine first-place votes and 81 total points, while Delaware received the remaining first-place vote and 61 points. WKU (55) and FIU (52) rounded out the top five.
Missouri State enters its second season in Conference USA after advancing to the CUSA Championship final during its inaugural campaign in the league. The Bears defeated WKU and Middle Tennessee by identical 2-0 scores in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds before facing Liberty in the championship match.
Head coach Kirk Nelson enters his fifth season at the helm with 19 returning players from last year's conference runner-up squad. The returning group includes Ellie Neath, Jane Hansen and Ella Becker, who were each named to the 2025 CUSA All-Tournament Team following the Bears' run to the championship match.
Fans will have their first opportunity to see the 2026 Bears at home Saturday, Aug. 8, when Missouri State hosts Saint Louis in an exhibition match. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium
2026 CUSA Preseason Poll (First Place Votes)
- Liberty (9) - 81 points
- Missouri State - 62 points
- Delaware (1) - 61 points
- WKU - 55 points
- FIU - 52 points
- MTSU - 46 points
- Sam Houston - 39 points
- NM State - 29 points
- Kennesaw State - 13 points
- Jax State - 12 points
Players Mentioned
Thursday, August 06
Wednesday, August 05
Wednesday, August 05
Tuesday, August 04
