SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Coming off a quarterfinal appearance on its home pitch in the 2025 Summit League Tournament, the South Dakota Coyotes Women's Soccer team has been selected fourth in the 2026 Summit League Preseason Poll, announced by the conference Tuesday morning. 
 

South Dakota received 30 points in the poll to be picked fourth. Oral Roberts, South Dakota State and Omaha rounded out the top three spots in this year's preseason poll. 

Senior midfielder Mali Van Meeteren and redshirt sophomore forward Klarissa Vega have been named to the 2026 Summit League Women's Soccer Players to Watch List. 

Van Meeteren returns for her senior season after earning Second Team All-Summit League honors in 2025. She started all 19 matches for the Coyotes, logging 1,444 minutes while recording three goals and one assist. 

Vega enters her second season with the Coyotes after a standout debut campaign. She earned Summit League Newcomer of the Year and All-Newcomer Team honors, while also being named Second Team All-Summit League and United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I Women's All-West Region Third Team. Vega started 18 of 19 matches in 2025, scoring eight goals and adding three assists for 19 points. 

The Coyotes open the 2026 season Wednesday, August 12, at 4 p.m. against Northern Iowa at the UNI Soccer Field.  

South Dakota begins Summit League play on September 24th against South Dakota State in Vermillion at 6:00 p.m. 

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