Full Breakdown
2025-26 Women's Basketball Season Preview: Key Teams and Players
10/30/2025, 2:28:50 PM
Richmond's Rising Star: Emma Doogan
The University of Richmond's women's basketball senior forward, Emma Doogan, has been recognized by ESPN as one of the Top 25 players in the nation for the upcoming 2025-26 season, ranking at No. 25. Doogan is notable for being the only mid-major player included in this prestigious list. Last season, she played a pivotal role in Richmond's historic NCAA Tournament victory, scoring 30 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in the first-round win against Georgia Tech, followed by 27 points against UCLA. In the 2024-25 season, Doogan averaged 17.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, earning accolades such as the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and a spot on the A-10 First Team. Richmond's women's basketball program has gained national attention under head coach Aaron Roussell, achieving back-to-back Atlantic 10 regular-season titles and their first-ever AP Top 25 ranking.
Snow College's Season Kickoff
The Snow College women's basketball team is set to begin its 2025-26 campaign at the Snow College Classic in Richfield, Utah. The Badgers will face Yavapai College on November 3 and the College of Southern Nevada on November 4. Snow College finished the previous season with a 21-11 record and reached the Region 18 Championship. The roster for this season includes 14 players, with five returning sophomores and nine incoming freshmen. Head coach Zu Grinsell, entering her sixth season, has a 79-64 overall record and aims to build on last year's success.
Grand Valley State's Dominance in DII Rankings
As the 2025-26 DII women's basketball season approaches, Grand Valley State University has been ranked No. 1 in the preseason Power 10 rankings. The Lakers, who are the defending champions, return key players including guards Nicole Kamin and Paige VanStee, positioning them for another strong season. The Lakers have consistently performed well in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), winning multiple titles and reaching the DII Women’s Elite Eight in recent years.
Vanderbilt's Roster Changes and Predictions
Vanderbilt University enters the 2025-26 season with significant roster changes under head coach Shea Ralph. The Commodores lost several key players but retain SEC Freshman of the Year Mikayla Blakes, who is expected to lead the team. New freshmen and transfers will be crucial in supporting Blakes, especially after the departures of high-scoring teammates. Predictions suggest that Vanderbilt may finish as a mid-pack SEC team, despite Blakes' potential to deliver standout performances.
Lubbock Christian's Return to Rankings
Lubbock Christian University opens the season ranked No. 13 in the WBCA Division II Preseason Top 25 Coaches Poll. The Lady Chaparrals are coming off a successful 32-5 season and aim to build on their previous achievements with a roster that includes eight returners and seven newcomers. Head coach Steve Gomez leads the team into a season marked by both tradition and transition, as they prepare for their first game against Adams State on November 1.
Conclusion
The 2025-26 women's basketball season is poised to showcase emerging talents and established programs across various divisions. With teams like Richmond, Snow College, Grand Valley State, Vanderbilt, and Lubbock Christian making headlines, fans can anticipate an exciting season filled with competitive matchups and standout performances.
