Weber State University Athletics
2026 Big Sky Coaches’ Poll and Preseason Team announced
1/29/2026 3:00:00 PM | Softball
The Big Sky Conference has released its 2026 Preseason Coaches' Poll, and Weber State has been tabbed at second. The Wildcats received 19 votes; coaches were not permitted to vote for their own teams.
The conference also announced its Preseason All-Conference Team. Wildcats Cali McCraw (P), Abby Grundy (3B), Riley Whalen (UTL), Taegan Smith (SS) and Sadie Kirk (2B) were among those selected.Â
Last season, the Wildcats finished with a 29-32, 8-7 record. Weber State went on to secure its fifth Big Sky Championship (first since 2022) and make its fifth appearance in the NCAA Tournament. While in Eugene, Oregon, the 'Cats won their second-ever NCAA Regional win against Binghamton 7-4.Â
Cali McCraw pitched a total of 117.1 innings last season and recorded a win/loss record of 10-6 with an ERA of 4.45. She also totaled 52 strikeouts during the season. McCraw was named Big Sky Pitcher of the Week for her performance against Colorado State and also received All-Big Sky Second Team pitcher honors.Â
Abby Grundy finished the season with a .353 batting average, totaling 49 hits and 27 runs. Grundy led both the team and the Big Sky Conference with 18 doubles and was also named to the All-Big Sky First Team.Â
Riley Whalen led the Wildcats last season with a .356 batting average, recording 67 hits in 188 at-bats. She scored 36 runs and added eight doubles, three triples, three home runs and 25 RBI, earning All-Big Sky First Team honors.Â
Taegan Smith played in 59 games and started in 58 for the Wildcats during the 2025 season. Smith recorded 53 hits, 38 runs, six doubles, six triples, three home runs and 20 RBI while also recording a .908 fielding percentage with 102 putouts and 126 assists. She led the Big Sky in triples and assists and was named Big Sky Honorable Mention shortstop and to the Big Sky All-Tournament Team.Â
Freshman Sadie Kirk made an immediate impact in her first season with Weber State. Kirk earned Co-Freshman of the Year and All-Big Sky First Team honors while batting .352 (56-for-159). From behind the plate, she recorded 36 runs, 12 doubles, three triples, seven home runs and 40 RBI, while maintaining a .959 fielding percentage.
Coach House is in her second season as the Wildcats head coach.
The conference also announced its Preseason All-Conference Team. Wildcats Cali McCraw (P), Abby Grundy (3B), Riley Whalen (UTL), Taegan Smith (SS) and Sadie Kirk (2B) were among those selected.Â
Last season, the Wildcats finished with a 29-32, 8-7 record. Weber State went on to secure its fifth Big Sky Championship (first since 2022) and make its fifth appearance in the NCAA Tournament. While in Eugene, Oregon, the 'Cats won their second-ever NCAA Regional win against Binghamton 7-4.Â
Cali McCraw pitched a total of 117.1 innings last season and recorded a win/loss record of 10-6 with an ERA of 4.45. She also totaled 52 strikeouts during the season. McCraw was named Big Sky Pitcher of the Week for her performance against Colorado State and also received All-Big Sky Second Team pitcher honors.Â
Abby Grundy finished the season with a .353 batting average, totaling 49 hits and 27 runs. Grundy led both the team and the Big Sky Conference with 18 doubles and was also named to the All-Big Sky First Team.Â
Riley Whalen led the Wildcats last season with a .356 batting average, recording 67 hits in 188 at-bats. She scored 36 runs and added eight doubles, three triples, three home runs and 25 RBI, earning All-Big Sky First Team honors.Â
Taegan Smith played in 59 games and started in 58 for the Wildcats during the 2025 season. Smith recorded 53 hits, 38 runs, six doubles, six triples, three home runs and 20 RBI while also recording a .908 fielding percentage with 102 putouts and 126 assists. She led the Big Sky in triples and assists and was named Big Sky Honorable Mention shortstop and to the Big Sky All-Tournament Team.Â
Freshman Sadie Kirk made an immediate impact in her first season with Weber State. Kirk earned Co-Freshman of the Year and All-Big Sky First Team honors while batting .352 (56-for-159). From behind the plate, she recorded 36 runs, 12 doubles, three triples, seven home runs and 40 RBI, while maintaining a .959 fielding percentage.
Coach House is in her second season as the Wildcats head coach.
Players Mentioned
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