WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern College's Lady Builders enter the 2026 season in just its third year of the program's existence, looking to move from the middle of the KCAC standings into conference contention.
The Lady Builders, launched the program in 2024, finished 6-10 overall and 6-6 in conference play last season, going 3-2 at home and 3-4 on the road.
Southwestern returns senior Vivianna "Viv" Solis, who has earned first and second-team all-conference honors during her two seasons in the program. Solis holds the program records for most receptions and receiving yards and is expected to remain a focal point of the offense in her final season.
"It's hard to break in with a new team," coach Noah Harris said during the program's virtual media day. "But the goal is you want to get into that upper third of the conference. You've got to build a culture."
The 2026 season marks the first time Harris will return an experienced starting quarterback. Kennedi Hayes threw for 2,022 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2025 while rushing for 311 yards and three scores. Hayes accounted for 2,333 of the team's 2,519 total yards and averaged 179.5 yards of offense per game.
"It's going to be my first time having a non-freshman QB," Harris said. "She's prepared. She knows what to expect. We've played some of the best, literally. So now you know what areas you need to get better in."
Mary Jones returns after posting 471 receiving yards and six touchdowns while compiling 582 all-purpose yards. Devina Lytle is expected to be a threat at the center position and a leader within the offense after having 88 receving yards last season.
"We have some very good young athletes who are coachable," Harris said. "They're sponges. They take in coaching and apply it daily."
Defensively, Southwestern forced 21 interceptions and recorded 25 tackles for loss in 2025. Andrea Moon returns after tallying 51 tackles and six sacks.
"We like to hang our hat on defense," Harris said. "Football is won and lost on the defensive side of the ball. That's our mentality."
Harris said Moon, now fully healthy, is poised for a larger role.
"People will know about Andrea Moon this season," he said.
Southwestern also adds six incoming freshmen expected to compete immediately as the Lady Builders seek to increase pressure on opposing quarterbacks and generate more turnovers.
The 2026 schedule includes early matchups against conference contenders Ottawa and Baker, games Harris described as measuring points.
"I call them barometer games," he said. "You get to see where you are and where you need to get to."
Still a young program in only its third year, Southwestern opens the season aiming to translate experience and culture-building into sustained success in the KCAC.
