FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- Calvin University has been selected as the favorite in the 2025-26 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Women’s Basketball Coaches Preseason Poll, earning all eight first-place votes after capturing last year’s conference tournament title.
The Knights headline a deep and competitive MIAA field that includes returning All-MIAA honorees and rising underclass standouts across the league. Hope College and Trine University follow as strong contenders at the top, while Adrian College, Kalamazoo College, Albion College, Alma College, Saint Mary’s College, and The University of Olivet look to make moves in what promises to be an exciting and balanced season of MIAA basketball.
1. Calvin University – 8 points (8 first-place votes)
Calvin finished the 2024-25 campaign with an 11-5 MIAA record and an overall mark of 18-11, winning the MIAA Women’s Basketball Tournament for the first time in a decade and advancing to the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Tournament.
The Knights return four starters from last year’s lineup in senior Anna Fernandez and juniors Katelyn LaRue, Chloe Wiegers, and Hannah Sall. Fernandez was a 2025 All-MIAA First Team and D3hoops.com All-Region Third Team selection, while LaRue earned Second Team All-MIAA honors. Calvin also welcomes back three players with significant starting experience who missed all or most of the 2024-25 season: seniors Emma Witte, RyAnn Rohrer, and Sami DeKuiper. Rohrer was a 2024 All-MIAA First Team and D3hoops.com All-Region Third Team honoree. With experience, depth, and proven leadership, Calvin enters the new season as the clear favorite.
2. Hope College – 17 points (1 first-place vote)
Hope finished the 2024-25 season with a 14-2 record in MIAA play and 21-5 overall.
The Flying Dutch return a young but talented core, led by sophomore guard Anna Richards, a 2025 All-MIAA Second Team selection. Richards totaled 138 points, 65 rebounds, 32 assists, and 29 steals as a first-year standout. Sophomore forward/center Leah Richards also returns after leading the team with 101 rebounds and 32 steals while contributing 139 points, 10 assists, and seven blocks. Sophomore guard/forward Maddie Petroelje provides additional strength after totaling 141 points, 44 rebounds, 26 steals, and a team-high 10 blocks.
3. Trine University – 20 points
Trine posted a perfect 16-0 MIAA record and 25-4 overall mark last season to capture the regular-season championship.
Senior guard/forward Erin Sherwood returns after earning All-MIAA First Team honors, having led the Thunder with 34 made free throws while contributing 180 points, 84 rebounds, and 21 steals. Junior guard Allison Capouch adds outside shooting after recording 109 points, 17 steals, and a team-best 32 triples. Sophomore guard Zoe Willems and sophomore forward Hailey Cole also return after impactful first-year seasons.
Head coach Andy Rang enters his eighth season leading the Thunder after being named the 2025 MIAA Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year.
4. Adrian College – 34 points
Adrian finished last season 6-10 in MIAA play and 7-19 overall.
Senior guard Morgan Babb headlines the Bulldogs’ lineup after earning All-MIAA Second Team honors. Babb led Adrian in nearly every major category with 286 points, 96 field goals, 79 free throws, 144 rebounds, 33 assists, and 14 blocks. Senior forward Aubrie Ickes also returns after leading the team with 23 steals and 14 blocks while contributing 157 points and 106 rebounds. Sophomore guard Hannah Lisch rounds out the top returners after adding 142 points, 38 rebounds, and 21 steals.
5. Kalamazoo College – 41 points
Kalamazoo finished 4-12 in the MIAA and 9-16 overall in 2024-25.
Junior guard Ruby Hogan returns after earning All-MIAA Second Team honors, leading the Hornets with 263 points, 69 assists, and 31 steals. Senior forward Lauren Vanderstelt returns after anchoring the interior with a team-best 139 rebounds and 43 blocks, along with 153 points. Sophomore forward/center Alyse Baughman provides additional depth after totaling 94 points, 70 rebounds, and 15 assists as a first-year contributor.
T6. Albion College – 42 points
Albion tied-for-sixth in the preseason poll after finishing 9-7 in the MIAA and 12-15 overall.
Senior guard Ava Guilford returns after leading the Brits with 196 points, 73 assists, and 28 steals, while adding 81 rebounds. Junior guard Meghan Trewhella contributed 154 points and 61 rebounds last season, and sophomore guard Khaleeya Cook adds depth after scoring 94 points and recording 23 steals as a freshman.
T6. Alma College – 42 points
Alma also tied-for-sixth following a 7-9 conference finish and 10-16 overall record.
Senior forward Emmerson Goodin returns as the Scots’ leading scorer and rebounder after totaling 166 points, 133 rebounds, and 23 steals. Senior forward Breckyn Werner adds experience after contributing 129 points, 89 rebounds, and 23 assists, while junior guard Molly Deurloo returns after a 126-point season.
8. Saint Mary’s College – 56 points
Saint Mary’s finished 3-13 in the MIAA and 6-19 overall.
Junior guard Kate Restovich returns after leading the Belles with 206 points, 41 assists, and 28 steals. Sophomore guard Kate Passinault also returns after totaling 81 points, 66 rebounds, and 26 assists, while sophomore guard Ella Notaro adds depth after recording 79 points and 57 rebounds.
9. The University of Olivet – 64 points
Olivet rounds out the poll after a 2-14 MIAA and 5-20 overall campaign.
Junior forward Christina Malackanich returns after leading the Comets with 138 rebounds, 19 blocks, and 165 points. Junior guard Kaylee Bush adds backcourt experience after contributing 163 points, 71 rebounds, and 23 assists, while senior forward Kinsley Hatfield also returns after totaling 97 points and 47 rebounds.
Up Ahead
Conference play tips off Tuesday, November 18, with Hope hosting Alma. Full league action begins Wednesday, December 3. The MIAA Women’s Basketball Tournament opens with first-round games on February 25, followed by semifinals on February 27 and the championship on February 28. The NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Tournament begins March 6.