MIAA Releases 2025-26 Women’s Basketball Preseason Polls: Fort Hays State Favored to Win
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The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) unveiled its 2025-26 preseason polls for women’s basketball on October 6, 2025, with Fort Hays State predicted to claim the conference title by the coaches, while Pittsburg State topped the media poll. The polls offer an early glimpse into the competitive landscape as teams prepare for the upcoming season.
Lady Hornets Face Uphill Battle in Coach Baker’s Debut
Emporia State University’s women’s basketball team, the Lady Hornets, are anticipating a challenging season. They were selected tenth by the media and eleventh by the coaches entering their first year under the leadership of head coach MJ Baker. The team concluded the 2024-25 season with a 10-19 record, though they demonstrated early promise with a 7-5 start through their first 12 games, including a notable victory over Northwest Missouri
The Lady Hornets will kick off their season with a pair of games against non-conference opponents, facing South Dakota State (S.D.) and MSU-Moorhead on November 14-15. The Lady Hornets’ home opener is scheduled for November 22 against Missouri S&T, and their first MIAA matchup will be on the road against Northwest Missouri on December 4.
Poll Results: Media vs. Coaches
The media poll showcased a tight race at the top, with Pittsburg State securing the number one spot with 326 points and 13 first-place votes. Fort Hays State followed closely in second place with 299 points and five first-place votes, while Washburn and Central Missouri also garnered first-place votes.
2025-26 MIAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL MEDIA POLL
- Pittsburg State [13] – 326 points
- Fort Hays State [5] – 299 points
- Washburn [3] – 276 points
- Central Missouri [4] – 271 points
- Nebraska Kearney – 268 points
- Missouri Western – 227 points
- Northwest Missouri – 187 points
- Arkansas-Fort Smith – 185 points
- Missouri Southern – 176 points
- Emporia State – 127 points
- Northeastern State – 111 points
- Central oklahoma – 92 points
- Rogers State – 49 points
- Newman – 31 points
[#] – First Place Votes
However, the coaches’ poll presented a diffrent perspective, selecting Fort Hays State as the favorite with 152 points and two first-place votes. Washburn secured the second position with 148 points and six first-place votes, followed by Pittsburg State and Central Missouri.
2025-26 MIAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACHES POLL
- Fort Hays State [2] – 152 points
- washburn [6] – 148 points
- Pittsburg State [5] – 144 points
- Central Missouri [1] – 138 points
- Nebraska Kearney – 135 points
- Missouri Western – 99 points
- Missouri Southern – 95 points
- Northwest missouri – 78 points
- Northeastern State – 76 points
- arkansas-Fort Smith – 73 points
- Emporia State – 48 points
- Central Oklahoma – 44 points
- Rogers State – 28 points
- Newman – 16 points
[#] – First Place Votes
The contrasting viewpoints from the media and coaches suggest a highly competitive MIAA women’s basketball season is on the horizon, with several teams vying for the conference championship.
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