BRISTOL, Tenn. – King University enters the 2026 softball season with high expectations after being selected third in the Conference Carolinas Preseason Poll, released Friday by the league office. The ranking places the Tornado firmly among the conference's top contenders as they prepare for another competitive spring.
Francis Marion University was chosen as the unanimous preseason favorite, earning 225 points and all 15 possible first-place votes. The Patriots have dominated the league in recent years, winning three straight Conference Carolinas Tournament titles and claiming the east division crown in each of the past two seasons. UNC Pembroke followed in second with 184 points and the remaining first-place vote.
King secured 178 points to land in the third position, narrowly ahead of North Greenville (174) and Southern Wesleyan (171), rounding out a tightly packed top five.
Mount Olive, Young Harris, Barton, Chowan, and Emmanuel completed the top ten, while Converse, Belmont Abbey, Shorter, Erskine, Lees-McRae, and Ferrum rounded out the full 16-team poll.
King's Recognized Athletes
Three Tornado standouts were named to the league's 2026 Players to Watch list:
- Riley Lamb, Junior, RHP, Portal, Georgia (2025 first team All-Conference Carolinas)
- Aubrey King, Sophomore, C/1B, Kennesaw, Georgia
- Giana Winge, Sophomore, OF/C, Plainfield, Illinois (2025 first team All-Conference Carolinas)
Their recognition reflects the overall strength of the program and reinforces King's potential to contend for a championship this spring.
A Deep and Competitive Conference Field
The 2026 preseason poll reflects a conference loaded with talent and experience. Francis Marion enters as the clear favorite, backed by multiple All-Americans and award winners, while UNC Pembroke returns a strong pitching staff and several key position players. King, North Greenville, and Southern Wesleyan form a competitive upper tier, each capable of contending for both regular-season and tournament titles.
Mount Olive, Young Harris, Barton, Chowan, and Emmanuel make up a balanced middle group, with several programs returning all-conference performers. Converse, Belmont Abbey, Shorter, Erskine, Lees-McRae, and Ferrum round out the standings, adding depth to a league where every weekend presents a challenge.
With so many teams capable of producing strong results, the 2026 season is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Conference Carolinas Softball Championship is scheduled for April 23–26 at Tyger River Park in Duncan, South Carolina. As the Tornado prepare for the spring campaign, the team will look to build on its strong returning core and capitalize on its top-three preseason ranking.
