DICKINSON, N.D. – Dickinson State has been selected as the preseason favorite to win the 2026 Frontier Conference Softball title, the league office announced Monday.

In the first-ever Frontier Conference Softball Coaches' Preseason Poll, the Blue Hawks earned 46 points and four first-place votes to top the eight-team poll. Conference coaches were not permitted to vote for their own teams.

The 2026 season marks the launch of softball as a championship sport within the Frontier Conference, with each team scheduled to play a 28-game league slate beginning the weekend of March 20–21.

"It's an exciting time for Blue Hawk Softball as we enter a new conference and a new chapter for our program," said DSU head coach Kristen Fleury. "Being ranked preseason No. 1 is an honor, but rankings don't win ballgames. We've added 10 freshmen and one transfer, making us a young and athletic group with a lot of energy and potential. Our focus is on getting better every day, staying humble, and proving ourselves on the field when it counts."

DSU is coming off a 29-16 record in 2025 and returns a strong core from last season's roster. The Blue Hawks previously competed in the North Star Athletic Association.

Bellevue (Neb.) was picked second in the preseason poll with 42 points and two first-place votes. Valley City State (N.D.) came in third with 37 points and one first-place vote, followed by Carroll (Mont.) in fourth with 33 points and the remaining first-place vote.

Rounding out the poll were Providence (Mont.) in fifth (22), Mayville State (N.D.) in sixth (21), Bismarck State (N.D.) in seventh (12), and Dakota State (S.D.) in eighth (11).

DSU will also serve as host for the 2026 Frontier Conference Softball Tournament, set for April 30–May 2 at Bravera Field at the Sanford Sports Complex in Dickinson. The tournament champion will receive an automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament Opening Round, scheduled for May 11–14 at campus sites across the country.

Winners of the opening round advance to the NAIA Softball World Series, held May 21–27 at the South Commons Complex in Columbus, Ga.

2026 Frontier Conference Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll

1. Dickinson State – 46 pts (4)

2. Bellevue (Neb.) – 42 pts (2)

3. Valley City State (N.D.) – 37 pts (1)

4. Carroll (Mont.) – 33 pts (1)

5. Providence (Mont.) – 22 pts

6. Mayville State (N.D.) – 21 pts

7. Bismarck State (N.D.) – 12 pts

8. Dakota State (S.D.) – 11 pts