DIVISION III TEAM PREVIEWS  |  DAY 1 OF 3

  District I

With three straight seasons producing different champions, District I enters 2026 in a familiar place — searching for the next program to step into the spotlight. Dickinson (2025), Saginaw Valley State (2024), and Rhode Island (2023) have all departed for new districts or divisions, creating another wide-open title chase this spring.

Much of the early buzz has come from the East, where first-year program Sacred Heart exploded onto the scene with a 7–1 fall showing and a spotless 4–0 conference record. Powered by Braden Neal, Aaron Ariza, Francis Fressle, and Justin DiGiovanna, the Pioneers wasted no time proving they belong. Hofstra (2–0) remains in close pursuit and could quickly tighten the race.

In the West, Rowan made an early statement of its own, opening conference play at 2–0 and positioning itself firmly among the district’s top contenders heading into the spring slate.

With fresh faces at the top and tight early standings, District I is shaping up to be one of the most competitive races in Division III this season.

Be sure to check all the District I Team Previews to see how everyone’s looking heading into the Spring 2026 season!

The 2026 Rawlings Division III Preseason Rankings will be released this Thursday!