Indiana State women's soccer has been ranked sixth in the 2026 Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Preseason Poll with 58 points. This places the Sycamores just one point shy of fifth-place Southern Illinois, indicating they are within reach of the top tier in the conference. Defending champions Drake lead the poll with 96 points and seven first-place votes, followed by Illinois State, UIC, and Murray State. Sophomore defender Riley Mathews earned a spot on the MVC Preseason Team, reflecting her key role in the team's defense. Indiana State is gearing up for the 2026 season and aims to leverage its solid roster under coach Paul Lawrence.

By the Numbers
  • Indiana State scored 58 points in the preseason poll.
  • Drake led the poll with 96 points and seven first-place votes.
State of Play
  • Indiana State is entering the season with a strong defensive unit and experienced midfielders.
  • The team is motivated to improve its standings in a competitive MVC conference.
What's Next

The Sycamores will kick off their 2026 season this week, aiming to build on their defensive strength and integrate new talent. Coach Paul Lawrence's strategy will focus on enhancing team cohesion to compete effectively in the MVC.

Bottom Line

With a solid preseason ranking and a key player like Riley Mathews, Indiana State women鈥檚 soccer is poised to make strides this season. The focus will be on leveraging their strengths and addressing challenges to elevate their conference performance.