Women’s Basketball Tabbed Sixth in GAC Preseason Coaches Poll
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – On Wednesday, the Great American Conference released the results of the 2025-26 women's basketball preseason coaches poll, with East Central University earning a sixth-place ranking with 66 total points.
Harding and Southern Nazarene tied for the top spot, each receiving 111 points. The Lady Bisons narrowly edged the Crimson Storm in first-place votes, 5-4.
This marks ECU's highest preseason ranking in recent program history, surpassing their previous best of seventh in the 2022 poll.
The Tigers are coming off a 10-17 overall season with an 8-14 mark in GAC play, earning them the No. 8 seed in last year's GAC Championship Tournament. With only one senior graduating, ECU returns a deep and experienced roster, including two standout performers: reigning GAC Newcomer of the Year and Freshman of the Year
Katie Edelen, and
Claira Dannefer.
Both Edelen and Dannefer made immediate impacts in their first year, playing in every game last season. Edelen started all 27 games, averaging 33.7 minutes and leading the team in scoring with 13.8 points per game (372 total points). Dannefer made 24 starts, contributed 234 points, and led the Tigers with 132 rebounds.
Also expected to play key roles this season are
Eva Fernandez and
Peyton Mosley. Fernandez finished last year as the team's second-leading scorer with 271 points, averaging 10.4 per game. Mosley added 135 points (5.4 per game) across 25 appearances, providing consistent minutes and energy off the bench.
The Tigers bring back eight returners from last season's roster, including
Natalie Payne, who is set to make a fifth-year comeback after missing last season due to injury. She'll be joined by fellow seniors
Eva Fernandez,
Peyton Mosley,
Jayden Weiberg, and
Tatum Havens, all looking to make a strong impact in their final collegiate season.
Joining the team this season are six newcomers, including three freshmen:
Kylie Ross,
Haley Robertson, and
Rylie Burnett, and three transfers:
Isabelle Stogsdill (Gordon College),
Ella Lavigne (Central Maine CC), and
Natalie Milwood (University of Texas Permian Basin). Together, they add valuable size, depth, and versatility to an already solid core.
ECU women's basketball will tip off the 2025-26 season at home, hosting Rogers State University at the Kerr Activities Center on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 5:30 p.m.
