CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has released its 2025-26 Women’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Following a 20-win season and a runner-up regular season conference finish, Coe College enters the year as the favorite, earning 64 points and eight first-place votes. Wartburg College, last season’s undefeated conference champion and tournament champion, follows in second with 54 points and one first-place vote. Luther rounds out the top three with 49 points. 
 
The 2025-26 season will bring a blend of established veterans and new faces for all nine programs. 
 
Friday, November 7 is the first time student-athletes from the A-R-C will take the floor in the women’s basketball season. The conference, double round robin, season officially kicks off on Wednesday, December 3. 
 

2025-26 American Rivers Conference Women’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
Place	Team (First-place votes)	Points
1.	Coe (8)	64
2.	Wartburg (1)	54
3.	Luther	49
4.	Simpson	46
5.	Central	30
6.	Buena Vista	26
7.	Univ. of Dubuque	24
8.	Loras	23
9.	Nebraska Wesleyan	8

 
The Coe College Kohawks return a veteran lineup poised to build on last season’s success. Reigning A-R-C Offensive MVP Taylor Brunson, First-Team All-Conference Caydee Kirkham, and Honorable Mention selection Audrie Helmrichs headline a talented group of returners. With four starters back, Coe’s experience and chemistry will be key through a challenging non-conference schedule. Head coach Kayla Waskow enters her ninth season leading the Kohawks. 

“Our team is excited for the season to kick off,” said Waskow. “We have a solid group of returning players and a talented group of newcomers that we look forward to working with. We will rely on our experience to lead us through a tough non-conference schedule that will help prepare us for conference play. We look forward to competitive conference games every week.”

After running the table in conference play last season, the Wartburg College Knights enter 2025-26 with a new-look lineup and the same championship mindset. Wartburg returns starter Lauren Donlea while reloading around a mix of emerging contributors and promising newcomers. Head coach Bob Amsberry will have his squad ready to go for the season as he enters year 20 leading the Knights on the hardwood.

“We've built something special over the past several seasons, and this year's group is committed to advancing that legacy,” added Amsberry. “We're embracing the growth opportunities that come with the strength and depth of the A-R-C.”

The Luther College Norse return two All-Conference performers in Haylie Strum and Natalie Beaver to anchor a strong core. With three starters back, Luther looks to continue its momentum in what will be its final A-R-C season under the direction of Amanda Bailey in her 15th season.

“Heading into our last season in the A-R-C, we want to thank the conference for its support and camaraderie over the years,” said Bailey. “We are looking forward to growth through competitive conference play before we head to the next chapter of our program.”

The Simpson College Storm bring back key contributors Elle Street and Ella Anderson. With the continued balance across the league, Simpson expects to be in the mix once again for top conference contention. Brian Niemuth enters his 39th year leading the charge as one of the most tenured coaches in the league. 

“I’m looking forward to another competitive conference season,” added Niemuth. “The balance of the league just keeps growing and makes for a very exciting year.”

Central College continues to trend upward under third year head coach Justin Weiland, returning two Honorable Mention selections — Cece Moore and Emily Naughton — to lead the way. With a mix of experience and new energy, the Dutch are eager to build on last year’s progress and remain strong in conference competition.

“It should be another exciting and competitive season in the American Rivers Conference with every team being stronger than the previous year,” said Weiland. “Each week and each game will be a great test for all our programs in conference play. We are extremely excited to get the new season started and build off the momentum and success our Central WBB team has built over the last few years.”

With all five starters returning, the Buena Vista University Beavers look to make strides in year two under head coach Kylee Boettcher. Bradi Krager leads a seasoned lineup that includes Tyme Boettcher, Danika Demers, McKenna Cone, and Maddie Hilgendorf.

“We are excited to bring everyone back along with the new additions to our team,” said Boettcher. “We are looking forward to another competitive year.”

New head coach Madeline Jansen takes over a University of Dubuque Spartans squad returning key contributors Sam McDonald and Mia Miller. With a foundation of experience and competitive spirit, UD looks to remain a tough matchup in league play.

“It’s an honor to step into my first season as a head coach in the American Rivers Conference,” added Jansen. “I have great respect for the coaches and programs in this league — and I'm eager to see how our players continue to grow and respond.”

The Loras College Duhawks are focused on turning last season’s challenges into growth opportunities. Claire Wagner returns to lead the way for a team looking to reestablish itself among the A-R-C’s contenders as Justin Busch enters his third season as the Duhawks head coach.

“We are really excited for a fresh start,” said Busch. “Despite a difficult season last year, we have come back this year in great spirits. I am very hopeful and confident that some new faces are going to step up into larger roles and find success.”

The Nebraska Wesleyan University Prairie Wolves enter their second season under head coach Jim Wiedie with renewed optimism. With four starters returning and six newcomers, including three transfers, NWU aims to improve on last year’s results and compete for a conference tournament spot.

“Although we didn’t have the success record-wise last season, I do think there were some positives that we can build on heading into this season,” said Wiedie. “We’ll be more athletic overall and have more scorers than we did last year. Hopefully, we have enough pieces this year to challenge for a spot in the conference tournament.”