BURNSVILLE, Minn. -- The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) announced the annual preseason softball coaches' poll. Minnesota State Moorhead was selected to finish 11th in the poll with senior
Lexie Wilson and junior
Teagan Clemmons tabbed as MSUM's 'players to watch' in 2026.
The Dragons garnered 80 points in the coaches' poll that was topped by Augustana with 221 points and 12 first-place votes. Winona State would occupy the other four first-place votes. Moorhead is coming off a 20-37 season with 11 conference victories, including a first-round victory in the NSIC Tournament.
"What excites me most about this year's team is the combination of new competitive energy and valuable experience across the roster. This group competes every day with a clear purpose and is fully committed to pushing each other to improve," said head coach
Vanessa Kellems, who enters her second season at the helm in 2026. "There's a strong sense of accountability and trust, and the players take pride in the standard they set for one another. Their chemistry, work ethic, and competitive mindset make this an exciting team to watch as the season unfolds."
Wilson earns the 'player to watch' nod after playing and starting in all 57 games for the Dragons in 2025, primarily at third base. She hit for a .208 batting average with 31 total hits, including three doubles and two home runs. The Rosemount, Minn., native also drove home 15 runs a season ago while scoring 12 runs of her own. Wilson stole five bases in six attempts on the year and also worked out a team-best 18 walks.
"Lexie is the kind of student-athlete every program hopes to build around. She leads first by example—her work ethic is consistent, intentional, and visible every single day. Whether it's practice, conditioning, or preparation away from the field, Lexie sets the standard and holds herself accountable, which naturally elevates those around her," said Kellems of Wilson. "Beyond her performance, Lexie is a steady and respected presence on the field, she communicates with purpose, supports her teammates, and isn't afraid to step up in difficult moments. Her leadership is grounded in trust, humility, and a genuine commitment to the team's success."
Clemmons was named MSUM's 'pitcher to watch' for 2026 after a strong sophomore campaign in 2025. The Las Vegas, Nev., native twirled a team-high 116 innings on the year, tallying team-bests in ERA (4.04), wins (6), complete games (9) and strikeouts (106). Clemmons was effective in controlling her pitches as well, only surrendering 38 walks to over 100 strikeouts. The junior pitched a pair of shutouts during the year as well. Clemmons became an all-around player as a sophomore, hitting for a .258 average in 89 at-bats.
"TC is a competitor in every sense of the word. In the circle, she brings intensity, confidence, and a relentless drive to get better, which is why she's a pitcher you always have to watch. She prepares with purpose, competes with composure, and embraces pressure moments rather than shying away from them. Off the field, TC is equally impressive as a teammate and person," said Kellems of Clemmons. "She's accountable, coachable, and deeply invested in the success of the group. Her energy is contagious, and she consistently raises the standard through her work ethic and mindset. TC represents the type of student-athlete who not only impacts games but also helps shape the culture of the program."
The Dragons begin the 2026 season as part of the Lone Star D2 Classic in Mansfield, Texas. Moorhead begins the six-game tournament against Oklahoma Baptist on Friday, January 30 at 10 a.m.
