NAIA Women's Basketball Top 25 Poll Sees Change at the Top & Adds Six New Teams

NAIA Women's Basketball Top 25 Poll Sees Change at the Top & Adds Six New Teams

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The latest NAIA Women's Basketball Top 25 Poll sees Dordt (Iowa) retake the No. 1 spot after another dominant eight-game win streak, edging out Bethel (Tenn.), which slips to No. 2 by just three points after a recent loss at Tennessee Southern. Campbellsville (Ky.) holds firm at No. 3, while Marian (Ind.) and Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) round out the top five, both riding strong win streaks. Freed-Hardeman as well as William Carey (Miss.) are the only teams that remain undefeated in the Top 25. 

Saint Francis (Ind.) continues to climb, now at No. 6, while Dakota State (S.D.) takes the biggest hit among the leaders, dropping three spots to No. 7 after starting the new year with a 2-2 record this month. Rio Grande (Ohio) stays steady at No. 8, and Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) jumps into the top 10 at No. 9, pushing Concordia (Neb.) down to No. 10.

The story doesn’t stop there. MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) remains at No. 11, while Montana Tech and Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) make big moves, climbing into the Top 15 at No. 12 and No. 13. Cumberlands (Ky.) slides to No. 14, and St. Francis (Ill.) sneaks up to No. 15. Briar Cliff (Iowa) takes a tumble to No. 16, but the real shake-up comes from the newcomers—Eastern Oregon enters at No. 17, William Carey (Miss.) at No. 19, and Spring Arbor (Mich.) debuts at No. 21. Evangel (Mo.) and Friends (Kan.) also join the rankings at No. 22 and No. 23. Indiana Tech falls to No. 24, and Southeastern (Fla.) rounds out the poll at No. 25. 

   

1. Dordt (Iowa)

Games prior to next poll: Jan. 14 Morningside (Iowa), Jan. 17 Doane (Neb.), Jan. 24 Concordia (Neb.)

Notes: Dordt boasts a 16-1 overall record and a 10-1 mark in conference play while riding an eight-game winning streak. The Defenders have been dominant at home (7-0) and strong on the road (7-1), with two neutral-site victories rounding out their impressive résumé. Junior Gracie Schoonhoven leads the charge with 377 points on an efficient 63% shooting, while senior Macy Sievers adds 261 points. Willow Bleeker has been lethal from beyond the arc, hitting 43.8% of her threes, and freshman Aubrey Burkhart has made an immediate impact with 153 points. Dordt’s balanced attack and depth have fueled high-scoring wins since the last poll, including a 117-46 rout of Waldorf (Iowa) and a 100-32 victory over College of Saint Mary (Kan.). 

2. Bethel (Tenn.) 

Games prior to next poll: Jan. 15 Campbellsville (Ky.), Jan. 17 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), Jan. 22 Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.)

Notes: Bethel (Tenn.) is off to a solid start this season with a 17-1 overall record and a perfect 2-0 mark in Mid-South Conference play, riding a three-game winning streak. The Wildcats have been dominant at home (9-0) and strong on the road (5-1). Sophomore guard Micah Hart leads the team with 331 points on 51.7% shooting and an impressive 89.8% from the free-throw line, while Mikee Buchanan adds 284 points and a team-high 42.6% from beyond the arc. MJ Simmons and Adalyn Koelling provide additional scoring punch, combining for over 350 points and shooting above 50% from the field. Bethel’s recent wins include an 80-61 victory over Georgetown (Ky.) and a 74-67 triumph over Cumberlands (Ky.).

3. Campbellsville (Ky.)

Games prior to next poll: Jan. 15 Bethel (Tenn.), Jan. 17 Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.), Jan. 22 Cumberland (Tenn.), Jan. 24 Cumberlands (Ky.)

Notes: Campbellsville is off to a stellar start this season with a 16-1 overall record and a perfect 1-0 mark in Mid-South Conference play. The Tigers have been nearly unbeatable at home (10-1) and flawless in neutral-site contests (6-0). Senior forward Whitney Hay leads the way with 292 points on 56.3% shooting and a team-high 76.7% from the free-throw line, while Dea Bradley adds 231 points and 34.8% from beyond the arc. Freshman Lainey Johnson has emerged as a key contributor with 157 points and 36.7% three-point shooting, and Talynne Shearer provides interior strength with a 90% free-throw mark. Campbellsville’s recent wins include an 83-53 victory over Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) and a 113-28 rout of Carolina (S.C.), underscoring their ability to score in bunches and defend aggressively. 

4. Marian (Ind.)

Games prior to next poll: Jan. 14 Indiana Wesleyan, Jan. 17 Huntington (Ind.), Jan. 24 Bethel (Ind.)

Notes: Marian is having an outstanding season with a 16-1 overall record and a 6-1 mark in Crossroads League conference play, despite coming off its first loss of the year. to No. 6 Saint Francis (Ind.). The Knights have been near perfect at home (7-1) and perfect on the road (7-0). Senior Abbey McNally leads the team with 305 points on 60.6% shooting, while Kenna Kirby adds 158 points and a team-best 38% from beyond the arc. Kiley McNally and Madisyn Bailey provide additional scoring depth with 150 and 141 points, respectively, and Olivia Faust and Taylor Double stretch defenses with consistent perimeter shooting. Marian’s high-powered attack was on display in recent wins, including a 113-66 rout of Grace (Ind.) and a 116-34 victory of Ohio Christian, though the Knights fell 56-46 to Saint Francis (Ind.) in their latest outing. 

5. Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.)

Games prior to next poll: Jan. 15 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), Jan. 17 Campbellsville (Ky.), Jan. 22 Bethel (Tenn.), Jan. 24 Cumberland (Tenn.)

Notes: Freed-Hardeman currently boasts a flawless season, standing at 17-0 overall and 2-0 in Mid-South Conference play. Lilly Kee leads the team with 278 points on an astounding 67.5% shooting and a near-perfect 92.4% from the free-throw line, while Jenna Satterly adds 256 points and an impressive 61.4% from beyond the arc. Rachel Satterly and Ally Weathers provide additional scoring power with 188 and 165 points, respectively, and Carissa Curtis stretches defenses with 41 made threes. Recent wins include an 82-73 victory over Cumberlands (Ky.) and a hard-fought 76-74 triumph over Georgetown (Ky.).

6. Saint Francis (Ind.)

Games prior to next poll: Jan. 14 Huntington (Ind.), Jan. 17 Spring Arbor (Mich.), Jan. 24 Mount Vernon Nazarene (Ohio)

Notes: Saint Francis (Ind.) is putting together an exceptional season with a 16-1 overall record and a 6-1 mark in Crossroads League conference play, currently riding a seven-game winning streak. The Cougars have been perfect at home (6-0) and have only one blemish on the road (9-1). Cali Gregory leads the team with 273 points on 52.7% shooting and an impressive 43.6% from three-point range, while Renna Schwieterman adds 236 points and Taylor Fordyce contributes 203 points with a team-best 46% from beyond the arc. Isabella Gizzi provides additional scoring punch with 176 points and a stellar 94.1% free-throw percentage. Saint Francis has showcased its defensive toughness and offensive versatility in recent wins, including a 73-28 rout of Goshen (Ind.) and a 56-46 road victory over No. 4 Marian (Ind.). 

7. Dakota State (S.D.)

Games prior to next poll: Jan. 16 Montana Tech, Jan. 17 Montana Western, Jan. 23 Bellevue (Neb.)

Notes: Dakota State is enjoying a strong season with a 14-3 overall record and a 9-2 mark in Frontier Conference play. The Trojans have been perfect at home (7-0) and competitive on the road (6-3). Senior forward Tabor Teel leads the team with 270 points on 51.7% shooting, while Caitlin Dyer adds 206 points and a team-best 78.9% from the free-throw line. Cierra Watkins has been a force inside, scoring 192 points on 58.1% shooting, and Bria Wasmund provides perimeter scoring with 30 made threes. Dakota State’s recent wins include a 93-82 victory over Bismarck State (N.D.) and a dominant 90-50 performance against Dickinson State (N.D.).

8. Rio Grande (Ohio)

Games prior to next poll: Jan. 17 Brescia (Ky.), Jan. 20 IU East (Ind.), Jan. 24 IU Columbus (Ind.), Jan. 27 Midway (Ky.) 

Notes: Rio Grande is rolling through the season with a 15-1 overall record and a perfect 4-0 mark in River States Conference play, riding a six-game winning streak. The RedStorm have only one blemish at home (8-1) and have been flawless on the road (6-0). Senior Marlee Grinstead leads the team with 222 points on 52.4% shooting and an outstanding 88.2% from the free-throw line, while freshman Allie Ellyson adds 221 points and a team-high 455 minutes of floor time. Sophia Kline has been a force inside, shooting 61.6% for 191 points, and Josie Graves provides additional scoring punch with 166 points on 62.6% shooting. Rio Grande’s recent wins include a 115-67 rout of Kentucky Christian and a 90-79 road victory over Indiana Southeast.

9. Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.)

Games prior to next poll: Jan. 14 Waldorf (Iowa), Jan. 18 Concordia (Neb.), Jan. 21 Morningside (Iowa), Jan. 24 College of Saint Mary (Neb.)

Notes: Dakota Wesleyan is surging through the season with a 13-4 overall record and a 9-2 mark in GPAC play, riding a seven-game winning streak. The Tigers have been unbeatable at home (8-0) and continue to demonstrate strength on the road, thanks to a balanced and efficient offense. Junior forward Emma Yost leads the team with 258 points on 48.8% shooting, while Avery Broughton adds 229 points at an impressive 50.9% clip. Senior guard Rylee Rosenquist provides veteran leadership with 198 points and a team-best free-throw percentage of 77.9%, and Shalayne Nagel contributes 158 points with a strong 40% from beyond the arc. Dakota Wesleyan’s recent wins have been dominant, including a 91-40 rout of Midland (Neb.) and a 90-63 victory over Northwestern (Iowa). 

10. Concordia (Neb.)

Games prior to next poll: Jan. 14 Hastings (Neb.), Jan. 18 Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.), Jan. 21 Midland (Neb.), Jan. 24 Dordt (Iowa)

Notes: Concordia (Neb.) is putting together an impressive campaign with a 14-3 overall record and a 9-2 mark in conference play, currently riding a four-game winning streak. The Bulldogs have been tough at home (8-1) and equally strong on the road (5-1), showcasing their consistency. Senior forward Kristin Vieselmeyer leads the team with 194 points on 54.2% shooting, while freshman guard Ayla Roth has made an immediate impact, scoring 179 points and hitting 35.5% from beyond the arc. Bree Bunting and Sammy Leu add scoring depth with 163 and 144 points, respectively, and Juliana Jones provides efficiency in the paint at nearly 50% shooting. Concordia’s balanced offense was on full display in recent wins, including an 89-70 victory over Briar Cliff and a 72-49 road triumph at Morningside (Iowa). 

 

TREND RANK LAST TIME SCHOOL [FIRST-PLACE VOTES] RECORD POINTS
1 2 Dordt (Iowa) [9] 16-1  522
2 1 Bethel (Tenn.) [6] 17-1  519
3 3 Campbellsville (Ky.) [1] 16-1 481
4 5 Marian (Ind.) [1] 16-1  479
5 6 Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) [2] 17-0  477
6 7 Saint Francis (Ind.) 16-1 413
7 4 Dakota State (S.D.) 14-3  405
8 8 Rio Grande (Ohio) 16-1  384
9 10 Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) 13-4  359
10 9 Concordia (Neb.) 14-3 335
11 11 MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) 12-3 329
12 14 Montana Tech (Mont.) 14-1  306
13 15 Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) 12-4  279
14 12 Cumberlands (Ky.) 15-3  273
15 16 St. Francis (Ill.) 16-1 198
16 13 Briar Cliff (Iowa) 13-4  197
17 RV Eastern Oregon 15-1  188
18 17 Rocky Mountain (Mont.) 12-5  160
19 RV William Carey (Miss.) 14-0  155
20 18 Corban (Ore.) 13-3  151
21 NR Spring Arbor (Mich.) 15-2  129
22 RV Evangel (Mo.) 13-1  122
23 RV Friends (Kan.) 15-1 105
24 22 Indiana Tech 12-4  101
25 RV Southeastern (Fla.) 15-3  99

 

Dropped from Top 25: Oregon Tech, Carroll (Mont.), Langston (Okla.), Huntington (Ind.), Georgetwon (Ky.), Mid-America Christian (Okla.)

Receiving Votes: Carroll (Mont.) 92, Langston (Okla.) 90, Huntington (Ind.) 72, Georgetown (Ky.) 66, Columbia (Mo.) 59, Science and Arts (Okla.) 57, Mid-America Christian (Okla.) 54, Loyola (La.) 47, Taylor (Ind.) 47, Hastings (Neb.) 23, LSU Shreveport (La.) 22, Shawnee State (Ohio) 18, Southern Oregon (Ore.) 17, Tennessee Southern 14, Cumberland (Tenn.) 10, Montana State-Northern 8, Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 7, Grand View (Iowa) 7, College of Idaho 6, Faulkner University (Ala.) 4

Poll Methodology

  • The national poll is for publicity purposes only and does not influence the selection process for national championship consideration.
  • A panel of head coaches representing each conference and the Continental Athletic Conference (Independents) votes in the poll.
  • The Top 25 teams are selected using a points-based system:
    • 30 points for a 1st-place vote, 29 for 2nd, 28 for 3rd, and so on.
  • The highest and lowest rankings received by each team are discarded before final tallying.
  • Teams receiving only one point are not listed as "receiving votes."
  • For the Preseason Poll, there is no "previous ranking" column since it is the initial poll and differs from the prior rating system. 

Key: RV - Receiving Votes, NR - Not Ranked, Climbed, - Dropped, ● - Steady

Championship Information

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45th ANNUAL
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