Top 10 Remains Consistent in Final NAIA Women's Basketball Coaches Top 25 Poll

Feb 25, 2026

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Dordt (Iowa) remains at No. 1 in the final edition of the NAIA Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll. The Top 10 remained largely the same with the exception of a flip at No. 6 & 7.

The middle of the poll saw more movement, highlighted by significant rises from Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) (up to No. 11) and Evangel (Mo.) (up to No. 12) after continued midseason surges. Meanwhile, Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) dropped five spots to No. 17, and William Carey (Miss.) fell seven places to No. 25 following late-season losses. Newcomers/Top 25 returners also made a splash—Corban (Ore.), Southeastern (Fla.), and Tennessee Southern all entered the Top 25 after spending time receiving votes, signaling strong late-season momentum.

With postseason play approaching, take a look at the final Top 25 as teams close out the regular season this week and prepare to open postseason at the conference levels in search of an automatic bids.

	1. Dordt (Iowa) Dordt has put together a strong season and sits at 27-1 overall, riding a 19‑game win streak. The Defenders have combined a high-powered offense with a disciplined defense to control games at home, on the road and on neutral courts. Their attack is fueled by standout junior Gracie Schoonhoven, who leads the team with 609 points on an exceptional 63.4% shooting, while senior Macy Sievers provides balance with strong scoring and perimeter presence. Dordt’s depth has been a major asset as multiple players contribute in double figures, and the team regularly posts efficient shooting nights—often surpassing 50% from the field and showing consistency from three and the free‑throw line. Their résumé includes several explosive performances, highlighted by a 117‑46 win over Waldorf (Iowa) and multiple outings breaking the 100‑point mark.
	2. Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) Freed-Hardeman has put together an outstanding season at 24-3 overall and an impressive 10-1 on the road, the Lions have shown they can win in any environment while maintaining a disciplined, high‑percentage offense. Sophomore Jenna Satterly has been a breakout star, leading the team with 431 points on 54.4% shooting and an incredible 57.8% from three, while fellow sophomore Lilly Kee has been nearly unstoppable in the paint, shooting 63.6% from the field and 90.8% at the free‑throw line. Freshman Ally Weathers has stepped seamlessly into a major role with 304 points, and senior Rachel Satterly adds steadiness and perimeter scoring to round out a potent attack. Freed-Hardeman’s schedule is filled with dominant performances—multiple wins by 30 or more, including a 92‑78 road victory at St. Thomas (Fla.) and an 87‑51 win over Campbellsville (Ky.) late in the season.
	3. Bethel (Tenn.) Bethel (Tenn.) has pieced together a standout season marked by efficiency, toughness, and one of the most potent guard‑forward duos in the country, entering postseason play with a 24‑4 overall record and strong performances both at home and on the road. Sophomore Micah Hart has been exceptional, leading the Wildcats with 527 points while shooting 51% from the field and nearly 40% from three, providing a dynamic scoring presence every night. She’s complemented by fellow sophomore Mikee Buchanan, who adds 433 points and shoots over 42% from beyond the arc. Bethel’s balance continues with MJ Simmons and senior Madison Hart, both efficient scorers who help stretch defenses and stabilize the offense. The Wildcats have stacked up impressive wins throughout the season—dominant offensive showings, consistent defensive efforts, and several 90‑point outings—while competing well in a challenging conference slate. Even in tight losses, Bethel has shown resilience and the ability to respond, securing key late‑season victories to maintain momentum.
	4. Marian (Ind.) Marian has been dominant from start to finish this season, compiling a 27‑2 record. Senior Abbey McNally has been the engine of the Knights’ attack, scoring 566 points on an outstanding 61% shooting while anchoring one of the most consistent offenses in the NAIA. Surrounding her is a balanced and disciplined lineup featuring Taylor Double and Madisyn Bailey—both strong perimeter scorers who provide steady production in the backcourt—along with senior Kenna Kirby, who adds another reliable scoring option at nearly 47% from the field. Marian’s schedule is filled with statement wins, including multiple 100‑point performances and numerous double‑digit victories in Crossroads League play. Their only two losses came in tightly contested matchups, but the Knights responded with a 10‑game winning streak to close the regular season.
	5. Campbellsville (Ky.) Campbellsville has delivered another strong season, entering the postseason at 22‑6 with impressive performances at home and on the road. Led by senior Whitney Hay—who has been a dominant force with 510 points on 52.7% shooting—the Tigers feature a balanced lineup capable of scoring at all levels. Sophomore Dea Bradley adds a steady 388 points with consistent perimeter production, while freshman Lainey Johnson has emerged as an impact scorer off the bench, knocking down 34 threes on the year. Campbellsville opened the season with a blistering run of double‑digit wins, consistently surpassing the 80‑point mark and showing the ability to overwhelm opponents with defensive pressure and transition offense. While the conference slate brought tighter battles and a handful of narrow losses, the Tigers continued to respond with resilience, picking up key wins over Cumberland (Tenn.), Georgetown (Ky.), and Bethel (Tenn.). Their 6‑0 record in neutral‑site games underscores their ability to perform in high‑stakes environments.
	6. Saint Francis (Ind.) Saint Francis (Ind.) has put together an exceptional season built on elite shooting, balance, and remarkable road toughness, entering postseason play at 26-3 overall with an impressive 14-1 mark away from home. The Cougars feature one of the most efficient offenses in the country, powered by sophomore standout Cali Gregory, who leads the team with 472 points while shooting 51.8% from the field and an outstanding 45.3% from three. Junior Isabella Gizzi and junior forward Renna Schwieterman add consistent scoring and versatility, while Taylor Fordyce provides another high‑efficiency option, shooting over 50% from the floor and more than 46% from deep. Saint Francis has stacked dominant wins throughout the year—including 119‑46 over Grace (Ind.). Even in tight losses, the Cougars showed resilience, bouncing back with multiple winning streaks and closing the regular season on a strong three‑game surge.
	7. Dakota State (S.D.) Dakota State has put together a stellar season, with an overall record of 24‑4 with a perfect 14‑0 record at home. The Trojans have been powered by senior Tabor Teel, a consistent force inside with 475 points on 51.4% shooting, while juniors Caitlin Dyer and Bria Wasmund anchor a potent perimeter attack, combining for over 600 points and more than 100 made threes. Dakota State’s balance continues with efficient scoring from Cierra Watkins and valuable contributions off the bench from Ella Carstensen and Mackenzi Simmons. The Trojans posted several explosive offensive outings—topping 100 points multiple times—and showed resilience against a demanding schedule that included close contests with nationally ranked opponents. Their ability to defend the home floor flawlessly, combined with a strong 9‑4 road record, highlights the team’s poise and consistency.
	8. Rio Grande (Ohio) The Rio Grande women’s basketball team has put together a dominant campaign, posting a remarkable 27–1 overall record and a perfect 16–0 mark in conference play, riding an 18‑game winning streak into late February. The RedStorm have been balanced and efficient on both ends of the floor, showcased by standout performances from senior leader Marlee Grinstead (481 points, 53.8% FG), freshman impact scorer Allie Ellyson (395 points), and interior force Sophia Kline (62.7% FG). Their depth has been a defining strength, with multiple players averaging double figures and key contributions from a talented freshman class. Rio Grande has been nearly unbeatable regardless of venue—14–1 at home, 12–0 on the road, and 1–0 at neutral sites—and their high-powered offense has topped 90 points in 13 games, including a season-high 127 on January 31.
	9. Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) Dakota Wesleyan has crafted a strong and well‑balanced season, entering late February at 22-6 overall and 18-4 in GPAC play. The Tigers have been especially formidable at home with a 12-1 record, while also proving they can win on the road with double‑digit away victories. Led by junior Emma Yost and junior guard Avery Broughton—both efficient scorers shooting above 50% from the field—DWU boasts a versatile offense that can play through the post or attack from the perimeter. Seniors Rylee Rosenquist and Taliyah Hayes add experience and scoring depth, helping the Tigers produce multiple 90‑point performances throughout the season. Dakota Wesleyan’s defense has also been a difference-maker, holding numerous opponents under 50 points and putting together dominant outings.
	10. MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) MidAmerica Nazarene has put together an outstanding season, entering late February with a 23–3 overall record and a dominant 19–1 mark in Heart of America Athletic Conference play, riding a 14‑game winning streak into their matchup with Central Methodist (Mo.). The Pioneers have been fueled by a balanced, disciplined lineup led by junior center Kameron Green, who anchors the offense with 431 points on 55.4% shooting, while guards Mary Lukert and Grace Carlson stretch the floor with consistent perimeter production. Senior forward Aubrey Rogers and sophomore Zaylee Werth add versatility and experience, helping MNU maintain efficiency on both ends of the floor. The Pioneers have been especially tough defensively, holding opponents under 50 points in seven games, and they’ve proven formidable in all environments—11–1 at home, 9–2 on the road, and a perfect 3–0 on neutral courts.

TREND	RANK	LAST TIME	INSTITUTION [FIRST-PLACE VOTES]	RECORD	POINTS
●	1	1	Dordt (Iowa) [16]	27-1	531
●	2	2	Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) [3]	24-3	512
●	3	3	Bethel (Tenn.)	24-4	504
●	4	4	Marian (Ind.)	26-2	479
●	5	5	Campbellsville (Ky.)	22-6	437
▲	6	7	Saint Francis (Ind.)	25-3	435
▼	7	6	Dakota State (S.D.)	24-4	428
●	8	8	Rio Grande (Ohio)	27-1	422
●	9	9	Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.)	22-6	365
●	10	10	MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.)	23-3	334
▲	11	13	Lindsey Wilson (Ky.)	21-7	318
▲	12	15	Evangel (Mo.)	24-2	303
▼	13	11	Concordia (Neb.)	22-6	293
●	14	14	Eastern Oregon	24-4	261
▲	15	17	Montana Tech	22-4	224
▲	16	19	Loyola (La.)	23-3	223
▼	17	12	Lewis-Clark State (Idaho)	21-7	221
▼	18	16	Spring Arbor (Mich.)	22-6	212
▲	19	20	Langston (Okla.)	24-4	189
▲	20	RV	Corban (Ore.)	23-5	188
▲	21	22	Friends (Kan.)	23-5	115
▲	22	23	Rocky Mountain (Mont.)	20-8	105
▲	23	RV	Southeastern (Fla.)	25-3	97
▲	24	RV	Tennessee Southern	20-5	79
▼	25	18	William Carey (Miss.)	21-5	78

Dropped from the Top 25: Indiana Tech, Carroll (Mont.), Cumberlands (Ky.)

Receiving Votes: Indiana Tech 71, Carroll (Mont.) 60, Georgetown (Ky.) 59, Hastings (Neb.) 54, Cumberlands (Ky.) 53, Columbia (Mo.) 48, Briar Cliff (Iowa) 45, LSU Shreveport (La.) 44, Faulkner (Ala.) 28, Huntington (Ind.) 24, College of Idaho 20, Oregon Tech 17, Mid-America Christian (Okla.) 16, St. Francis (Ill.) 14, Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) 14, Southern Oregon 9, Benedictine (Kan.) 6, Taylor (Ind.) 5, Milligan (Tenn.) 3, Indiana Wesleyan 3

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.