CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) announced the 2026 Softball Coaches' Preseason Poll with Luther picked to finish fifth. The Norse received 36 points. 

In 2025, the Norse finished 23-18 overall and 8-8 in the league. Luther returns all-conference players Chloe Wagner, Raven Allen and Mya Larson. 
 
"With our largest class of seniors (10) in my time at Luther and a unique setting to become a team all fall and winter, having no locker room during our renovations, I could not be more impressed with them as we start official in-season practices," said head coach Renae Hartl. 

A-R-C Softball Preseason Poll - points (First place votes)
1. Simpson - 62 (7)
2. Wartburg - 54 (1)
3. Central - 47 (1)
4. Loras - 44
5. Luther -36
T-6. Coe - 24
T-6. Univ. of Dubuque - 24
8. Nebraska Wesleyan - 21
9. Buena Vista - 12