ORLANDO, Fla. - Lynn softball has been selected ninth in the 2026 Sunshine State Conference Softball Coaches Preseason Poll, as announced by the league office Friday afternoon. Tampa and Saint Leo were tabbed as co-favorites, each earning 90 points in a vote of the conference's 11 head coaches
 
The Spartans, coming off a national runner-up finish in 2025, collected five first-place votes, while the Lions received four first-place nods as both programs look to contend for the SSC crown. Nova Southeastern was picked third with 81 points, followed closely by Barry in fourth with 77 points. Eckerd (64), Rollins (57), Florida Tech (46), and Embry-Riddle (43) rounded out the middle of the poll.
 
The Fighting Knights enter the 2026 season looking to build on last year's foundation under head coach Cassi Pickett. Lynn returns a number of key contributors from last season's campaign including Aiyana Hicks, Teagan Riley, Onnalee Floriano and Kyleigh Hope among others while continuing to develop a young core and integrate new additions ahead of the spring campaign.
 
Lynn opens the 2026 season during opening weekend Jan. 30-Feb. 1 at the Valkyrie Classic in Spartanburg, S.C. Sunshine State Conference play begins Feb. 27 when the Fighting Knights head to Tampa for a three-game series.
 
2026 SSC Softball Preseason Coaches Poll
Rank / School (FPV) – Total Points
 
T1. Tampa (5) – 90
T1. Saint Leo (4) – 90
3. Nova Southeastern (1) – 81
4. Barry (1) – 77
5. Eckerd – 64
6. Rollins – 57
7. Florida Tech – 46
8. Embry-Riddle – 43
9. Lynn – 24
10. Palm Beach Atlantic – 22
11. Florida Southern – 11