OSKALOOSA — The William Penn women’s soccer team is hoping to surprise its league foes as the 2025 Heart of America Athletic Conference Coaches’ Poll was released Friday.

WPU, which was 3-8-6 (1-7-3 Heart) a season ago, is projected to place 11th out of 14 teams in the 55 points.

Defending regular season champion Missouri Valley is first with 195 points and 13 first-place votes.

Central Methodist is second with 176 points and the final first-place nod.  MidAmerica Nazarene, which won the tournament crown in 2024, holds the bronze position with 169 points.  Benedictine (155) and Clarke (144) round out the top five.

The 6-10 spots are held down by Culver-Stockton (119), Baker (104), Mount Mercy (86), Graceland (84), and Park (79), while Missouri Baptist (42), Grand View (39), and William Woods (23) complete the poll.

The navy and gold start the fall at Drost Field on Saturday against Harris-Stowe State.  It is one of nine home games for William Penn.

2025 Heart Preseason Coaches’ Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Missouri Valley–195 (13)
2. Central Methodist–176 (1)
3. MidAmerica Nazarene–169
4. Benedictine–155
5. Clarke–144
6. Culver-Stockton–119
7. Baker–104
8. Mount Mercy–86
9. Graceland–84
10. Park–79
11. William Penn–55
12. Missouri Baptist–42
13. Grand View–39
14. William Woods–23