The accolades are already rolling in for Simpson as the Storm were ranked 21st-nationally in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) preseason poll earlier in the week.

Simpson received seven of the nine first place votes to pace the A-R-C standings at 62 points. 

Simpson features a potent lineup anchored by NFCA All-Americans Megan Heidelbauer and Ashlyn Steen. The reigning 2025 A-R-C Player of the Year and second team NFCA All-American, Heidelbauer set multiple single season school records including most hits (71), runs driven in (68), and total bases (142). Not only was Heidelbauer a force at the plate, but also on the diamond, winning the Rawlings Gold Glove at first base.

Inside the circle, Simpson is led by ace and second team all-conference pitcher Emma LaFave. In 22 games, LaFave went 14-2 on the season with a 2.87 ERA, striking out 61 batters and completing seven games.

Other notable returners include catchers Makayla Fowler, and Gracie Bruening, designated player Brielyn Ginnaty, and pitchers Alyssa Breckner, and Marina Cronin.

Simpson begins the year with a top-25 matchup against #20 Illinois Wesleyan on Feb. 28 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. First home games for the Storm are set against Westminster on Saturday, March 7 before heading to Florida for The Spring Games where Simpson will play 11 games over eight days.

A-R-C competition is set to begin Wednesday, April 1 at Wartburg and continuing until the A-R-C Tournament starts Friday, May 8.

2026 AMERICAN RIVERS CONFERENCE SOFTBALL PRESEASON POLL
1. Simpson – 62 (7 first place votes)
2. Wartburg – 54 (1)
3. Central – 47 (1)
4. Loras – 44
5. Luther -36
T-6. Coe – 24
T-6. Univ. of Dubuque – 24
8. Nebraska Wesleyan – 21
9. Buena Vista – 12

*from simpsonsports.com