Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference: Women’s Basketball 2026 Preview
MADISON, Wis.—The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) has unveiled its predictions for the upcoming 2026 women’s basketball season. These forecasts were determined by a vote from the conference’s head coaches and sports information directors.
Defending champions UW-Oshkosh have once again been placed at the forefront, expected to secure the regular-season title. The Titans are currently ranked third in the D3hoops.com Top 25 Preseason Poll and fifth in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) NCAA Division III Preseason Top 25. They were one of two WIAC teams, alongside UW-Stout, to reach the semifinals of last year’s NCAA Division III championship.
Following closely is UW-Whitewater, which holds a No. 24 ranking by the WBCA. The Warhawks are predicted to finish second in the WIAC standings, having won the conference tournament title for the fourth time in the program’s history last year.
Additionally, UW-La Crosse is anticipated to secure the third position in the conference, with a ranking of No. 15 by D3hoops.com.
2026 Preseason Predictions
- 1. UW-Oshkosh (27-5 overall, 11-3 WIAC)
- 2. UW-Whitewater (24-7, 9-5)
- 3. UW-La Crosse (17-12, 7-7)
- 4. UW-Stout (23-8, 10-4)
- 5. UW-Stevens Point (18-9, 8-6)
- 6. UW-River Falls (14-12, 6-8)
- 7. UW-Eau Claire (8-17, 3-11)
- 8. UW-Platteville (8-17, 2-12)
The non-conference schedules for WIAC teams will kick off on November 7, and the conference schedule will commence on January 3. The top six teams at the end of the season will qualify for the WIAC Tournament, which will be presented by Culver’s. This tournament is set for February 23, 25, and 27, with venues designated by the higher seed. The tournament champion will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA championships.
Team Capsules
UW-Eau Claire
Head Coach: Tonja Englund (26th season, 414-253)
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 11/5
Starters Returning/Lost: 2/3
Returning All-WIAC: Kyla Overskei, Sr., G (2025-Honorable)
Notable Players: Reanna Hutchinson, Sr., G; Kailey Tulachka, So., F
UW-La Crosse
Head Coach: Moran Lonning (4th season, 38-43 overall / 30-26 at UWL)
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 14/3
Starters Returning/Lost: 3/2
Returning All-WIAC: Katie Waukau, Jr., G (2024-Newcomer of the Year)
Notable Players: Grace Knupp, Jr., G; Lindsey Knuth, Jr., F; Malia Nelson, Sr., G; Ali Sprangers, Sr., F
UW-Oshkosh
Head Coach: Brad Fischer (14th season, 287-76)
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 14/5
Starters Returning/Lost: 3/2
Returning All-WIAC: Sammi Beyer, Jr., G (2025-First); Sarah Hardwick, Sr., F (2023-Honorable, 2024-Defensive, 2025-Defensive); Kate Huml, Sr., G (2025-Honorable); Avery Poole, Sr., G (2025-Honorable); Paige Seckar, So., F (2025-Newcomer)
Notable Players: Mallory Hoitink, Jr., F; Mahra Wieman, Sr., F
UW-Platteville
Head Coach: Kelly McNiff (7th season, 57-79)
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 14/7
Starters Returning/Lost: 2/3
Returning All-WIAC: Ella Mackiewicz, Sr., F (2023-Honorable; Newcomer of the Year; 2024-First, 2025-Honorable)
Notable Players: Madalyn Reichmann, Sr., G; Lauren Sparks, Sr., F; Alexis Strom, Sr., G; Ashley Weir, Sr., G
UW-River Falls
Head Coach: Shelby Lyman (4th season, 42-35)
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 13/7
Starters Returning/Lost: 4/1
Returning All-WIAC: Zoey Buchan, Sr., G (2025-First); Olivia Hoerl, Sr., F (2025-First)
Notable Players: Braelyn Beiler, So., G; Karleigh Creasey, Sr., G; Jocelyn Plonski, Jr., C
UW-Stevens Point
Head Coach: Matt Hockett (4th season, 44-33)
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 13/4
Starters Returning/Lost: 2/3
Returning All-WIAC: None
Notable Players: Ava Loftus, Sr., G; Keira Maki, So., F; Maija Rice, Sr., G; Karissa Smith, Jr., G
UW-Stout
Head Coach: Hannah Iverson (8th season, 112-62)
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 9/7
Starters Returning/Lost: 0/5
Returning All-WIAC: None
Notable Players: Mary Berg, So., G; Julia Rybacki, So., G; Rosella Wille, Sr., F; Maraya Wiltrout, Jr., C
UW-Whitewater
Head Coach: Keri Carollo (24th season, 463-172)
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 9/9
Starters Returning/Lost: 1/4
Returning All-WIAC: None
Notable Players: Mia Gillis, Jr., F; Bri McCurdy, Jr., G; Renee Rittmeyer, Jr., G
As teams prepare for the new season, the WIAC women’s basketball landscape promises intense competition, growth, and exciting moments on the court.
