KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Two teams from the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) were ranked in the Top 25 in the latest edition of the NAIA Women's Basketball Coaches' Poll, the national office announced Wednesday. Evangel University moved up two spots from their previous ranking to No. 15, while Friends University moved down two spots to No. 22.
The next edition of the NAIA Women's Basketball Coaches' Poll will be released Wednesday, February 25.
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.
Key: RV - Receiving Votes, NR - Not Ranked
TOP 10 CAPSULES
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1. Dordt (Iowa)
Games prior to next poll: Feb. 11 Briar Cliff (Iowa), Feb. 14 Midland (Neb.), Feb. 18 Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.), Waldorf (Iowa)
Through a stretch of 25 games, the Defenders have posted explosive offensive performances—topping 90 points nine times—including a season-high 117 against Waldorf (Iowa). Dordt has been especially strong from the field, shooting over 45% in 11 games and surpassing 50% on multiple occasions, highlighted by a 56.9% outing at John Brown (Ark.) and a 56.7% effort at Hastings (Neb.). Their perimeter shooting has also surged as the season progressed, with standout games such as 15-for-28 from deep against Mount Marty (S.D.) and 19-for-30 at Morningside (Iowa). Even in tightly contested matchups, the Defenders have found ways to close games, securing narrow wins over Northwestern (Iowa) and Dakota State (S.D.). With only one loss on the record and consistent defensive pressure fueling lopsided margins, Dordt has positioned itself as a powerhouse heading into the final stretch of the season. |
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2. Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.)
Games prior to next poll: Feb. 12 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), Feb. 14 Campbellsville (Ky.), Feb. 19 Cumberland (Tenn.)
The Lions opened with a dominant nonconference stretch, regularly winning by wide margins while topping 80 points seven times. Their offense has been remarkably steady, shooting above 45% from the field in 14 games and showcasing dangerous perimeter efficiency with double-digit three-pointers in multiple outings. Even in tighter matchups—such as a 76-74 win over Georgetown (Ky.) and an 82-73 victory against Cumberlands (Ky.)—FHU’s poise at the free-throw line and ability to close games have been key. The Lions’ lone early conference setback at Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) didn’t slow momentum, as they rebounded with strong road wins and continued defensive dominance, holding several opponents under 50 points. |
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3. Bethel (Tenn.)
Games prior to next poll: Feb. 12 Campbellsville (Ky.), Feb. 14 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), Feb. 21 Cumberland (Tenn.)
The Wildcats opened the year with a dominant nonconference slate, routinely scoring in the 70s, 80s, and 90s while shooting above 45% from the field in numerous outings. Their offense has been particularly explosive from deep, with standout performances such as 16 three-pointers against Fisk (Tenn.) and 13 against Haskell Indian Nations (Kan.). Even in tighter conference battles, Bethel’s balance shows—earning key wins over Campbellsville (Ky.), Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) and Georgetown (Ky.) behind efficient shooting and clutch free throw execution. While a few close losses have come on the road, the Wildcats have repeatedly rebounded with strong performances, including a 60-46 statement win at Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.). |
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4. Marian (Ind.)
Games prior to next poll: Feb. 11 Grace (Ind.), Feb. 14 Saint Francis (Ind.), Feb. 18 Indiana Wesleyan, Feb. 21 Huntington (Ind.)
The Knights opened the year with a series of explosive performances—topping 80 points nine times and shooting above 50% from the field in multiple games, including a blistering 63.2% outing in their opener against Pikeville (Ky.). Marian’s depth and versatility have been on full display, with reliable perimeter shooting, strong interior play, and steady free-throw production fueling double-digit victories throughout the schedule. Even during tougher stretches, such as a cold shooting night in the loss to Saint Francis (Ind.) or a battle at Huntington (Ind.), the Knights quickly reset and responded with big wins, including 84-47 over Indiana Wesleyan and 94-42 against Mount Vernon Nazarene (Ohio). |
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5. Campbellsville (Ky.)
Games prior to next poll:Feb. 12 Bethel (Tenn.), Feb. 14 Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.), Feb. 19 Cumberlands (Ky.), Feb. 21 Georgetown (Ky.)
The Tigers opened the year with a string of commanding wins, surpassing 90 points eight times—including 112 against Union Commonwealth (Ky.) and 113 versus Carolina (S.C.)—as they routinely shot above 50% from the field. Their depth and pace have allowed them to overwhelm opponents, with balanced scoring and efficient ball movement leading to double-digit victories throughout nonconference play. Even in tougher matchups, Campbellsville has remained competitive, earning key wins over Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), Cumberland (Tenn.) and Georgetown (Ky.) behind strong shooting nights and reliable free-throw production. While a challenging stretch in January included close losses to Bethel (Tenn.) and Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.), the Tigers quickly responded with multiple conference wins to regain momentum.
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6. Dakota State (S.D.)
Games prior to next poll: Feb. 13 Montana Western, Feb. 14 Montana Tech, Feb. 20 Dickinson State (N.D.), Feb. 21 Bismarck State (N.D.)
The Trojans have been especially dangerous from beyond the arc, hitting double-digit threes in numerous games—including 16 against Northwestern (Iowa) and 15 versus Providence (Mont.)—while also displaying impressive overall shooting efficiency with outings like a 65.1% performance at Bellevue (Neb.). Their offense has topped 90 points six times, highlighted by a 105-57 rout of Bellevue and a 100-75 win over Bethel (Kan.). Even in tight battles, such as the narrow losses at Carroll (Mont.) and Rocky Mountain (Mont.), Dakota State showed resilience and the ability to compete deep into tough road environments. |
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7. Saint Francis (Ind.)
Games prior to next poll: Feb. 11 Taylor (Ind.), Feb. 14 Marian (Ind.), Feb. 18 Huntington (Ind.), Feb. 21 Spring Arbor (Mich.)
The Cougars opened the year with dominant offensive performances—scoring 86 and 91 points in their first two games—and continued that momentum with multiple outings over 80 points, including a 119-46 explosion against Grace fueled by 59.5% shooting and 16 made threes. Even in tighter matchups, Saint Francis has shown poise, earning key road wins over Saint Xavier (Ill.), Indiana Tech and Southeastern (Fla.) while relying on strong defensive stands and timely perimeter shooting. Their balanced attack features frequent 50%+ shooting nights, with contributions spread throughout the lineup. Though they faced setbacks against Indiana Wesleyan, Saint Francis responded with resilience, securing victories in close games, including the 65-64 win at Bethel (Ind.). |
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8. Rio Grande (Ohio)
Games prior to next poll: Feb. 12 Midway (Ky.), Feb. 14 IU Kokomo (Ind.), Feb. 17 IU East (Ind.), Feb. 21 Kentucky Christian
The RedStorm opened the year with a dominant road stretch—topping 90 points in each of their first three games—and continued that momentum with numerous triple-digit performances, including 115 points at Kentucky Christian and 121 at IU Columbus (Ind.). Rio Grande has been especially strong in transition and around the rim, frequently shooting near or above 50% from the field while also getting to the free-throw line at a high rate, highlighted by a 30-for-36 outing at KCU. Even in tighter contests like the one-point win over Midway (Ky.) or a competitive battle with Marian (Ind.), the RedStorm have shown resilience, balanced scoring, and the ability to close late. |
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9. Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.)
Games prior to next poll: Feb. 11 Waldorf (Iowa), Feb. 14 Mount Marty (S.D.), Feb. 18 Dordt (Iowa), Feb. 21 Northwestern (Iowa)
After a challenging early loss to MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.), the Tigers responded with a series of commanding wins, highlighted by a 94-53 rout of Morningside (Iowa) and a 93-45 performance against Midland (Neb.). Their offense has been dynamic, topping 90 points six times and shooting above 50% from the field in multiple outings, including a season-best 61.8% against Waldorf (Iowa). Dakota Wesleyan has shown balance as well—winning both up-tempo shootouts, such as a 95-77 victory over Hastings (Neb.), and grind-it-out defensive games like the 59-56 road win at Concordia (Neb.). Even in losses, the Tigers have remained competitive, pushing ranked opponents like Dordt in an 86-81 battle. The DWU defense has held seven opponents under 50 points. |
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10. MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.)
Games prior to next poll: Feb. 14 William Penn (Iowa), Feb. 18 Peru State (Neb.), Feb. 21 Benedictine (Kan.)
The Pioneers opened the year with a series of convincing wins, including a 101-63 offensive explosion against Mount Mercy (Iowa) and a gritty road victory over Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) where their perimeter shooting proved decisive. MNU has shown impressive balance throughout the schedule, surpassing 45% shooting in several key games while also holding opponents under 50 points multiple times. Their ability to lock down defensively—seen in dominant performances against William Penn (Iowa), Avila (Mo.) and Park (Mo.)—has complemented an offense capable of producing double-digit three-pointer nights, such as their 13-for-31 display against Missouri Baptist. Even in close setbacks like the tight loss at Grand View (Iowa) or the battle with Dordt (Iowa), the Pioneers remained competitive with strong rebounding and steady free-throw production. |
FULL TOP 25 RANKINGS
| RANK |
LAST TIME |
INSTITUTION [FIRST-PLACE VOTES] |
RECORD |
POINTS |
| 1 |
1 |
Dordt (Iowa) [15] |
23-1 |
533 |
| 2 |
2 |
Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) [4] |
22-2 |
516 |
| 3 |
3 |
Bethel (Tenn.) |
22-3 |
508 |
| 4 |
5 |
Marian (Ind.) |
22-2 |
459 |
| 5 |
4 |
Campbellsville (Ky.) |
20-4 |
448 |
| 6 |
7 |
Dakota State (S.D.) |
21-3 |
428 |
| 7 |
6 |
Saint Francis (Ind.) |
22-2 |
427 |
| 8 |
8 |
Rio Grande (Ohio) |
23-1 |
406 |
| 9 |
9 |
Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) |
20-4 |
387 |
| 10 |
11 |
MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) |
19-3 |
319 |
| 11 |
10 |
Concordia (Neb.) |
19-5 |
316 |
| 12 |
12 |
Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) |
18-6 |
308 |
| 13 |
24 |
Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) |
20-4 |
306 |
| 14 |
15 |
Eastern Oregon |
21-3 |
265 |
| 15 |
17 |
Evangel (Mo.) |
20-2 |
241 |
| 16 |
18 |
Spring Arbor (Mich.) |
20-4 |
220 |
| 17 |
13 |
Montana Tech |
18-4 |
219 |
| 18 |
14 |
William Carey (Miss.) |
20-2 |
165 |
| 19 |
RV |
Loyola (La.) |
20-2 |
164 |
| 20 |
RV |
Langston (Okla.) |
22-2 |
134 |
| 21 |
15 |
Cumberlands (Ky.) |
17-8 |
131 |
| 22 |
20 |
Friends (Kan.) |
20-4 |
121 |
| 23 |
23 |
Rocky Mountain (Mont.) |
16-8 |
103 |
| 24 |
25 |
Indiana Tech |
20-4 |
80 |
| 25 |
RV |
Carroll (Mont.) |
16-8 |
75 |
Dropped from the Top 25: Corban (Ore.), Briar Cliff (Iowa), St. Francis (Ill.)
Receiving Votes: Corban (Ore.) 73, Briar Cliff (Iowa) 69, Southeastern (Fla.) 66, Southern Oregon 65, St. Francis (Ill.) 62, Hastings (Neb.) 59, LSU Shreveport (La.) 50, Tennessee Southern 46, Huntington (Ind.) 39, Mid-America Christian (Okla.) 37, Georgetown (Ky.) 31, Columbia (Mo.) 24, Montana State-Northern 14, Taylor (Ind.) 13, Benedictine (Kan.) 10, Oregon Tech 6, Cumberland (Tenn.) 3, The College of Idaho 2, Grand View (Iowa) 2, Indiana Wesleyan 2.
—KCAC—