The UIS softball team was picked 7th with 115 votes in the GLVC Preseason Poll of the league's head coaches. The preseason poll, which does not allow coaches to vote for their own team, has the Indianapolis Greyhounds as the top pick with 11 first-place votes and 192 points.
Top Five:

1. Indianapolis - 192 points (11 first-place votes)
2. Lewis - 183 points (3 first-place votes)
3. McKendree - 166 points (1 first-place vote)
4. Drury - 160 points
5. Missouri-St. Louis - 141 points

UIS, who finished with a 28-26 record last season, narrowly missed the GLVC tournament after a 12-14 conference record. However, the Prairie Stars started this season strong with a 3-1 record at the Music City Classic, with their only loss coming against a nationally ranked opponent.

2025 GLVC Softball Preseason Poll