GREENWOOD, Ind. – The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference released its preseason coaches’ poll on Wednesday morning. Defiance College received 30 total points, which placed it in a tie for eighth with Hanover. Along with the poll, the HCAC also released its Preseason Players to Watch List with three Yellow Jackets receiving the honor.

Kevin Elson, Joe Loftis and Jaiden Henderson were each tabbed by the conference coaches as potential stars for the upcoming season.

Elson, a senior and returning starting defender, will be counted on heavily to anchor the Yellow Jackets’ backline. Elson has been a consistent starter dating back to his freshman year, recording 48 career starts for the Jackets. Being one of four seniors on this year’s squad, Elson’s experience and leadership should have a major impact on the young team.

Loftis is one of the other four returning seniors and controls the center of the pitch for DC from the midfield position. Last season Loftis was recognized by the conference coaches as he was selected as Second-Team All-HCAC. Loftis scored four goals for the Jackets last year and will be looked upon to produce even more during this campaign.

Defiance’s leading point and goal scorer is back from an impressive freshman season. Henderson started every game and totaled a team high 14 points. Henderson’s six goals placed him in sixth place for goals in the HCAC. Like Loftis, Henderson was also selected as Second-Team All-HCAC. With a year under his belt, Henderson will be expected to be the offensive catalyst for this season.

Other notable returning starters are sophomore midfielder Evan Allen and sophomore forward Mike Kern. With the Yellow Jackets adding 17 newcomers to this year’s team, the returning players will be counted on for leadership and guidance.

Alex Van der Sluijs returns as the Head Coach for his second season. The Jackets look to improve on last year’s mark of 5-11-2 and a conference record of 1-7-1.

Transylvania was selected as the HCAC preseason favorites receiving 94 votes. Following the Pioneers were Anderson (82), Rose-Hulman (77), Franklin (68) and Earlham (66) rounding out the top five. 

DC hosts the Defiance Classic to open up this year’s campaign. The Yellow Jackets will host Wittenberg on September 2nd at 3 p.m. at Winsper-Knobel Memorial Field.