FAIRMONT, W. Va. -- Shawnee State women's golf was voted to finish eighth in the 2026 Mountain East Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll.

Alex Pratt, a 2023 Shawnee State graduate, was named head coach of the women's golf program in July after two seasons as an assistant coach with the men's team.

The Bears finished seventh at the River States Conference Championships last May.

The University of Charleston has topped the 2026 Mountain East Women's Golf Preseason Poll. Charleston, the reigning MEC Champion, also won all individual awards at the 2025 Mountain East Women's Golf Championship.

The Golden Eagles received nine first place votes, while Wheeling University received one. 

The Mountain East Conference looks to have high competition this year with Mari Filippa Larsen, the reigning Player of the Year, returning to Charleston and Moa Lindgren, the reigning Freshman of the Year, returning to Glenville State. The addition of Shawnee State to the MEC will also increase competition, bringing the number of women's golf programs in the league to 10.

The Mountain East Conference women's golf championship will be held this year at the Palmer Golf Course at Stonewall Resort. The women's golf championship will take place on October 11-13.

The poll was decided on by the league's 10 head coaches.
 

2026 MEC Women's Golf Preseason Poll
Rank	School (First Place Votes)	Voting
1.	Charleston	72 (9)
2.	Glenville State	59
3.	Wheeling	54 (1)
4.	Fairmont State	55
5.	Concord	40
6.	Davis & Elkins	32
7.	West Liberty	34
8.	Shawnee State	26
9.	West Virginia Wesleyan	23
10.	Point Park	12

 

* Coaches were not permitted to vote for own team

Up Next

Shawnee State women's golf will begin its 2026 season Wednesday, Sept. 2, competing in the Pikeville Fall Invitational at Stonecrest Golf Club in Prestonsburg, Kentucky.