FARMINGTON, Utah – Portland State softball senior
Sherreigh Nakoa-Chung was named to the Big Sky Softball Preseason All-Big Sky Team, released Thursday. The 2026 Big Sky Preseason Coaches' Poll was released concurrently, with the Vikings picked fifth.
Thursday's announcement marked the inaugural Big Sky Preseason softball team. The poll and all-conference team were determined by votes from the league's head coaches, who were not permitted to vote for their own teams or players.
Nakoa-Chung was one of 19 players to earn preseason honors and the only pitcher/utility player named to the team. The Hawai'i native had a breakout junior season in 2025, leading the Vikings offensively while also playing a significant role in the circle, earning Second Team All-Big Sky honors. She hit .313 with a .436 on-base percentage and 17 RBI, while posting team highs in home runs (3) and doubles (9). In the circle, she went 3-3 overall and 2-0 against conference opponents, striking out 43 batters.
2025 regular-season champion Idaho State was selected first in the coaches poll, earning five of six first-place votes. The Vikings received nine points in the poll, placing them fifth.
Portland State will open its 2026 season next Friday, Feb. 6 at the Easton Classic in Fullerton, Calif.
Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Idaho State (5) - 25
2. Weber State - 19
3. Sacramento State (1) - 18
4. Northern Colorado - 14
5. Portland State - 9
6. Montana - 5
*() Indicates first place votes
2026 Big Sky Softball Preseason All-Conference Team
Catcher: Jenna Kearns, Idaho State*
Catcher: Katie Marsh, Sacramento State*
First Base: Amailee Morales, Northern Colorado
Second Base: Sadie Kirk, Weber State
Shortstop: Krista Francia, Northern Colorado*
Shortstop: Taegan Smith, Weber State*
Third Base: Katie Walling, Northern Colorado*
Third Base: Madison Evers-Lyles, Sacramento State*
Third Base: Abby Grundy, Weber State*
Outfield: Ava Brown, Idaho State (Preseason MVP)
Outfield: Alyssa Yee, Idaho State
Outfield: Lafulafu Malepeai, Sacramento State
Pitcher: Kasey Aguinaga, Idaho State*
Pitcher: Lizzy Tommasini, Idaho State*
Pitcher: Anna Wilming, Northern Colorado*
Pitcher: Alexa Ortiz, Sacramento State*
Pitcher: Cali McCraw: Weber State*
Pitcher/Utility: Sherreigh Nakoa-Chung, Portland State
Non-Pitcher/Utility: Riley Whalen, Weber State
