GRINNELL, Iowa – The Illinois College women's track and field team was picked to finish tied for second in the 2026 Midwest Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league announced on Thursday.
Â
Grinnell was picked first with 53 points overall. The defending indoor and outdoor league champions, IC, was tied for second place with 50 points. The Lady Blues received four first-place votes, while Ripon also earned 50 points with one first-place vote.
Â
Monmouth picked up one first-place vote, coming in fourth with 47 points.
Â
The poll closed with Cornell (46 points), Lawrence (31 points), Beloit (24 points), Lake Forest (13 points), and Knox (10 points).
IC returns eight all-conference honorees from a year ago in
Deja Anderson,
Haley Garrett,
Natalie Hasting,
Fynesse Jones,
McKenzie Murray,
Kami Rhoades,
Aleese Trimingham, and
Keyleigh Thomas. Murray was the 2025 MWC Outdoor Newcomer of the Year, while Trimingham was the league's Outdoor Athlete of the Year last season.
Â
The 2025-26 track and field season begins with indoor competition on Friday, December 5, featuring three of the nine teams in action over the weekend.
Â
The 2026 MWC Indoor Track & Field Championships are set for Friday and Saturday, February 27-28, at Grinnell College.
Â
Outdoor track and field competition will begin on Friday, March 14, culminating at the 2026 MWC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, hosted by Cornell College on Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9.
Â
2025-26 MWC Women's Track & Field Preseason Coaches' Poll Results
1. Grinnell College (3) – 53 points
T2. Illinois College (4) - 50 points
T2. Ripon College (1) - 50 points
4. Monmouth College (1) - 47 points
5. Cornell College - 46 points
6. Lawrence University - 31 points
7. Beloit College - 24 points
8. Lake Forest College - 13 points
9. Knox College - 10 points
 () – indicates first-place votes
Â
