BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Augustana Vikings were tabbed to finish fourth in the 2026 NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll after going 11-5-3 on the season and finished sixth in the NSIC. 

"I am most excited about the mix of players that we will have on our team this season. I love our Senior group. They bring a great level of positivity, yet they will demand that we work hard this season." head coach Brandon Barkus said. "Furthermore, our young players have all been playing this summer and their energy and fight will hopefully push our team to the limits! I anticipate this group being quite successful both on and off the field this season!"

The Augustana Vikings will welcome 12 new athletes along with 24 returners from the 2025 season. Barkus has coached the Vikings since 2006 and has garnered 210 wins in his career with Augustana. 

In the preseason release, senior Madelyn White and junior Ashlyn Kelliher were selected as Augustana's Offensive and Defensive players to watch. 

White appeared and started in 19 games and scored 13 goals along with two assists for a total of 28 points on the season. White also garnered several accolades, including All-NSIC First Team and D2CCA All-Central Region First Team. 

"Madelyn is an extremely explosive player and has an excellent ability to score goals. In addition, her ability to get in behind defenses to get services off and into dangerous areas may be her greatest strength!" said Barkus. "She is completely committed to the team and I am confident that she will rise this season to greatness!" 

For the defensive side of the pitch, Kelliher was selected as the defensive player to watch for the Vikings. Kelliher played in 19 games and started in 17 of them. Kelliher helped the Vikings hold opponents to 0.89 goals per game.

"Ashlyn is an incredibly steady player. She possesses the ability to change her pace to close down her opponents as well as the patience to stand a player up and tackle with toughness and grit!" Barkus stated when asked about Kelliher. "Our team will be leaning on her experience this season as she will be anchoring our defense and commanding our play from the back."

The Augustana Vikings will kick off the regular season on the road against Southern Nazarene at 6 p.m. on August 28. 

2026 NSIC Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Minnesota State (13) 223
2. Concordia-St. Paul (3) 204
3. Bemidji State 193
4. Augustana 174
5. St. Cloud State 164
6. University of Mary 156
7. Northern State 142
8. Minot State 121
9. Winona State 104
10. Minnesota Duluth 98
11. Wayne State 95
12. Sioux Falls 89
13. Southwest Minnesota St. 46
14. Jamestown 42
15. Minnesota Crookston 35
16. MSU Moorhead 34