Women's Golf | 8/25/2026 2:09:00 PM

Burnsville, Minn. -- Minnesota Crookston women's golf was chosen to finish seventh in the annual NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll, as released on Tuesday afternoon.

Their projected seventh place finish in the NSIC is the highest ever preseason ranking in program history, topping last season, when they were projected to finish eighth in the Northern Sun.

Wayne State College earned 11 first place votes and was picked to win the NSIC, while Minnesota State earned three first place votes for second. Concordia-St. Paul, Augustana and Sioux Falls round out the top five.

Addi Wood of Concordia-St. Paul was named the NSIC Preseason Golfer of the Year.

Senior Ainsley McLain was named as the golfer to watch for the Golden Eagles. McLain averaged 82.5 per round as a junior a season ago.

Heading into his third season at the helm of the maroon and gold, head coach Brady Heppner is excited about Ainsley McLain and her ability to lead the Golden Eagles.

"Ainsley has the ability to be one of the top players in the region this season. She is an incredibly talented golfer who is fiercely competitive and brings a great attitude and work ethic to our team every day," mentions Heppner. 

"Even more importantly, she is an outstanding person and a great teammate. We're excited to see her have a strong senior season and help lead our team alongside an outstanding group of teammates."

Heppner is also thrilled about the team around McLain this season.

"I'm really excited about the potential of our team this season. We have three incoming freshmen who will have the opportunity to make a big impact on our lineup after losing three incredible seniors last year. I'm excited to see how they develop alongside our returning upperclassmen, who will provide great leadership and mentorship throughout the season. I think the combination of our experienced players and new talent gives us a great opportunity to continue building our program and compete at a high level."

The Golden Eagles finished sixth a season ago at the NSIC Championships a season ago, their highest ever finish in program history.

Minnesota Crookston opens the season at the Fall Brawl, hosted by Minnesota State on Sept. 14-15.