The preseason rankings came out for the American Rivers Conference as voted on by the coaches, with the softball team being chosen for a 5th place finish, and the baseball squad voted in 8th place. The Storm softball team, coming off of a 21-16 season and return Second-Team All-IIAC pitcher Emily Bell and Honorable Mention All-IIAC catcher Ashley Allen. Luther, Coe, Central, and Nebraska Wesleyan are predicted to finish above the Storm. Simpson baseball is coming off of a forgettable 8-28 season where they finished with a 6-17 conference mark. The Storm also lost top hitter Hunter Hillygus, but return All-Conference performers Kolton Arnold and Noah Sacco. Simpson is predicted to finish above Nebraska Wesleyan in conference play.