Softball tabbed sixth in preseason poll

SEWANEE, Tenn. – Sewanee Softball was picked to finish sixth in the Southern Athletic Association Preseason poll, as announced by the conference office on Tuesday morning. The poll was conducted by the league's seven head coaches.

Defending champions, Berry, top the poll, receiving five first-place votes and 41 points, followed by Trinity with 38 points and two first-place votes. Millsaps earned 30 points while Rhodes followed in fourth with 28 points. Southwestern (23), Sewanee (17), and Centre (12) round out the 2026 poll.

Berry ended the 2025 season earning their fourth consecutive SAA championship, as the team returns three first-team honorees, as well as four second-team members and one honorable mention honoree. Trinity returns three NFCA All-Region Players, while 2025 runner-up, Millsaps, returns the 2025 Rookie of the Year and four second-team All-Conference selections.

Sewanee returns one second-team honoree, Abbie Buckner, and four honorable mention members, Maggie Barker, Ansley Giffin, Reagen Huskey, and Sydney Tackett.

The 2026 SAA Softball Championships are slated for May 7-9 in Columbus, Ga., at the South Commons Complex.

2026 Softball Preseason Poll

Berry – 41 (5)
Trinity – 38 (2)
Millsaps – 30
Rhodes – 28
Southwestern – 23
Sewanee – 17
Centre – 12

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#12 Maggie Barker: IF; 5' 5"; Senior; R-R

#25 Abbie Buckner: RHP/UT; 5' 5"; Junior; R-R

#15 Ansley Giffin: LHP/IF; 5' 2"; Junior; L-L

#8 Reagen Huskey: RHP/IF; 5' 7"; Junior; R-R

#13 Sydney Tackett: OF/IF; 5' 7"; Junior; R-R

Players Mentioned

#12 Maggie Barker
: 5' 5"; Senior; R-R
: IF

#25 Abbie Buckner
: 5' 5"; Junior; R-R
: RHP/UT

#15 Ansley Giffin
: 5' 2"; Junior; L-L
: LHP/IF

#8 Reagen Huskey
: 5' 7"; Junior; R-R
: RHP/IF

#13 Sydney Tackett
: 5' 7"; Junior; R-R
: OF/IF