OSKALOOSA — The Statesmen men’s soccer team is projected to be at the top of the league mountain as the 2025 Heart of America Athletic Conference Coaches’ Poll was released Tuesday.

WPU, which was 20-3-3 (8-2-1 Heart) a season ago, enters first in the 14-team conference with 188 points and nine first-place votes.  The navy and gold won the Heart Championship last fall and eventually reached the NAIA National Championship game.

Missouri Valley, the 2024 regular season champion, is the owner of 184 points and the final five first-place nods.  MidAmerica Nazarene (172), Clarke (145), and Baker (141) complete the top five.

Benedictine (116), Missouri Baptist (99), Mount Mercy (86), Park (81), and William Woods (79) hold the 6-10 spots, while Central Methodist (68), Graceland (51), Grand View (43), and Culver-Stockton (16) finish off the poll.

The navy and gold open 2025 at Drost Field on Thursday against Indiana Tech.  It is one of 10 home games for William Penn.

2025 Heart Preseason Coaches’ Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. William Penn–188 (9)
2. Missouri Valley–184 (5)
3. MidAmerica Nazarene–172
4. Clarke–145
5. Baker–141
6. Benedictine–116
7. Missouri Baptist–99
8. Mount Mercy–86
9. Park–81
10. William Woods–79
11. Central Methodist–68
12. Graceland–51
13. Grand View–43
14. Culver-Stockton–16