2026 GPAC Softball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
SEWARD, Neb. – Going into Head Coach Brock Culler’s fourth season, the Bulldogs were selected to finish fifth in the GPAC preseason poll released on Monday (Feb. 2). Concordia University, Nebraska Softball received 79 points in the 2026 poll after taking fifth last season. Midland was selected first with 114 total points and six of the 12 first-place votes. Morningside and Northwestern were given three first-place tallies apiece.
The Plum Creek Dawgs return Second Team All-GPAC Taryn Ganstrom settling at the shortstop position. Honorable mentions from 2025 returning are Kaylei Denison, Aubriana Krieser, Laycee Josoff, Grace Maguire, and Avery O’Boyle, making the infield the more experienced group.
A Bulldog squad that saw the most wins in a season for Coach Culler (27-20) is ready to get out on the field to try to better the 15-8 non-conference record from last year. Concordia would show just above .500 (12-10) in GPAC play. Reaching the conference tournament for the second consecutive year in 2025, the Bulldogs look to find their first postseason win under Culler.
The Seward dugout has finished 12th (2023), 3rd (2024) and 5th (2025) with Coach Culler at the helm.
First pitch of the 2026 season is scheduled to take place on Feb. 5 with two games that day in Mesquite, Texas. For a detailed season preview, click HERE.
2026 GPAC Baseball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
(first-place votes in parentheses)
1. Midland – 114 (6)
2. Morningside – 110 (3)
3. Northwestern – 108 (3)
4. Dordt – 83
5. Concordia – 79
6. Dakota Wesleyan – 75
7. Hastings – 54
8. Mount Marty – 54
9. Doane – 52
10. College of Saint Mary – 26
11. Briar Cliff – 25
12. Waldorf - 12