NATCHITOCHES—The impressive start to the season for Northwestern State opened eyes across the country.

In the opening United Soccer Coaches Midwest Regional poll, the NSU women's soccer team checked in at No. 9 after defeating nationally-ranked Texas to open the season before falling at SMU.

It is the first time ranked in the regional poll since 2022 when the Demons finished 12-4-3.

The first poll was dominated by Big 12 schools, as the Demons are the only school in the top 10 not from the Big 12.

The list is led by TCU and NSU is the only school in the top 10 with a defeat, even ahead of 2-0 Kansas State, which ranks No. 10.

NSU returns to the field Thursday evening when it travels to Tarleton State before coming back to Natchitoches for the first time in 2025 to face Alcorn in front of the home fans.