Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska Kearney women's basketball team was picked eighth (coaches) and 10th (media) in the 2026-27 MIAA preseason polls.

The polls were released this morning (Oct. 6) as part of "Media Day", presented by Seigfreid Bingham, at the College Basketball Experience (CBC) in Kansas City. Head coach Drew Johnson spoke at 10:15 a.m. with former Loper alum Brenda VanLengen serving as emcee of the event.

UNK overcame a rash of injuries last year to pick up late season wins at nationally ranked Pittsburg State and Fort Hays State. The Lopers made the MIAA Tournament and finished with a 15-16 (8-11 MIAA) record. Four starters return from that squad, led by 2026 MIAA Freshman of the Year Myleigh Weers (Diller).

Central Missouri, Fort Hays State, Missouri Southern are 1-2-3 in both polls. UNK tallied 93 points from the coaches and 149 in the media rankings. The Lopers start the year at home Nov. 9 vs. Sioux Falls. 

 

PRESEASON COACHES POLL	PRESEASON MEDIA POLL
1. Central Missouri [10] – 163 points	1. Central Missouri [16] – 372 points
2. Fort Hays State [1] – 147	2. Fort Hays State [13] – 355
3. Missouri Southern [1] – 120	3. Missouri Southern – 325
4. Northwest Missouri – 120	4. Washburn [1] – 298
5. Washburn [1] – 113	5. Pittsburg State – 281
6. Pittsburg State – 108	6. Northwest Missouri – 245
7. Missouri Western [1] – 107	7. Missouri Western – 204
8. Nebraska Kearney – 93	8. Northeastern State – 91
9. Northeastern State – 91	9. Emporia State – 171
10. Emporia State – 56	10. Nebraska Kearney – 149
11. Central Oklahoma – 53	11. Central Oklahoma – 122
12. Rogers State – 35 points	12. Rogers State – 109
13. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 28	13. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 75
14. Newman – 17	14. Newman – 33