University of North Texas Athletics
Softball Tabbed Third in AAC Poll
1/16/2024 11:00:00 AM | Softball
IRVING, Texas – North Texas softball was voted No. 3 in the American Athletic Conference preseason coaches' poll, the league announced on Tuesday. The Mean Green collected 66 points along with one first place vote as it enters its first season in The American.
The third-place preseason ranking marks the fifth consecutive season to rank within the top three in its respective preseason conference poll. Most recently, UNT was tabbed for first place in Conference USA in 2023.
North Texas returns 16 letter winners including eight position player starters and three pitchers. The roster is lined with experienced talent including 2023 NFCA All-South Region selection IF Kailey Gamble (Oklahoma City, Okla.) along with all-conference selections IF Cierra Simon (Crockett, Texas), C Kalei Christensen (McKinney, Texas), IF Mikayla Smith (Moore, Okla.), RHP McKenzie Wagoner (Newcastle, Okla.) and IF Tatum Sparks (Shawnee, Okla.).
UNT opens its season at the Candrea Classic in Tucson, Ariz. with a doubleheader on Feb. 9 versus Utah Tech and Arizona.
2024 American Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll
| 1. | Wichita State | (8) | 80 |
| 2. | Charlotte | (1) | 70 |
| 3. | North Texas | (1) | 66 |
| 4. | South Florida | 55 | |
| 5. | Florida Atlantic | 47 | |
| 6. | UAB | 40 | |
| 7. | Tulsa | 37 | |
| 8. | East Carolina | 29 | |
| 9. | Memphis | 14 | |
| 10. | UTSA | 12 |
