ARCATA, Calif. - The Cal Poly Humboldt women's triathlon team will begin the 2026 season ranked fifth in the NCAA Division II portion of the College Triathlon Coaches Association's preseason coaches' poll, which was announced Monday.

The Lumberjacks are one of 10 Division II programs recognized in the preseason poll. Wingate earned the top spot in the Division II poll, followed by Lenoir-Rhyne and Drury. Colorado Mesa was fourth, while Cal Poly Humboldt was fifth. The Lumberjacks' fifth-place ranking comes ahead of Black Hills State, UIndy, Emmanuel (Ga.), Newberry and Concord.

Kinsey Mattison, entering her fifth year as head triathlon coach for the Lumberjacks, returns seven of her athletes from last year's conglomerate, including two-time All-American Averill Payne, who led the way for Cal Poly Humboldt in the 2025 National Championships with a 14th place finish. Poppy Edge follows suit as an All-American returner for the Jacks as well.

The Jacks also added four newcomers to the group, who will look to prove themselves on a squad looking to make more noise.

Cal Poly Humboldt will look to build on its 2025-26 season as it begins a new campaign among the nation's top Division II programs. The Lumberjacks will compete throughout the fall, starting at Mt. Shasta Tinman on Sunday, Sep. 6, with the goal of earning a spot at the Women's Collegiate Triathlon National Championships.

Division II

1. Wingate
2. Lenoir-Rhyne
3. Drury
4. Colorado Mesa
5. Cal Poly Humboldt
6. Black Hills State
7. UIndy
8. Emmanuel
9. Newberry
10. Concord

For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt triathlon, visit humboldtathletics.com, download our mobile app on Apple iOS or Google Android, and follow the Lumberjacks on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook.

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