Simpson Storm Softball Ranked #21 Nationally, Picked to Win A-R-C

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The Simpson College softball team has been ranked 21st in the nation in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) preseason poll and was selected as the preseason favorite to win the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C). The Storm are led by NFCA All-Americans Megan Heidelbauer and Ashlyn Steen, as well as ace pitcher Emma LaFave.

Why it matters

Simpson's softball program has consistently been one of the top teams in the region, and this preseason ranking and conference favorite status shows they are poised for another strong season. The Storm's success is a point of pride for the college and the local community.

The details

Simpson received seven of the nine first place votes to pace the A-R-C standings at 62 points. The Storm feature a potent lineup anchored by NFCA All-Americans Megan Heidelbauer and Ashlyn Steen. Heidelbauer, the reigning 2025 A-R-C Player of the Year and second team NFCA All-American, set multiple single season school records. Inside the circle, Simpson is led by ace and second team all-conference pitcher Emma LaFave, who went 14-2 with a 2.87 ERA last season.

• Simpson begins the year with a top-25 matchup against #20 Illinois Wesleyan on Feb. 28 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
• First home games for the Storm are set against Westminster on Saturday, March 7 before heading to Florida for The Spring Games where Simpson will play 11 games over eight days.
• A-R-C competition is set to begin Wednesday, April 1 at Wartburg and continuing until the A-R-C Tournament starts Friday, May 8.

What’s next

Simpson will open the season with a top-25 matchup against Illinois Wesleyan on February 28th, followed by their first home games against Westminster on March 7th.