CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The 2026 American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) women's basketball season is right around the corner and action should be exciting inside the league. The Wartburg College Knights were selected as the preseason favorite to claim the regular season title this season.
Conference action will tip off on January 6, 2027 and run through February 20, 2027 as the programs will play a double round robin. The conference tournament will kick off on February 23 and the tournament champion will receive the league's automatic berth to the 2027 NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament. The A-R-C will serve as the host for the 2027 NCAA Division III Women's Final Four in Cedar Rapids on March 18 and 20.
2026-27 American Rivers Conference
Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll |
| Place |
Team (first-place votes) |
Points |
| 1. |
Wartburg College (6) |
48 |
| 2. |
Coe College (2) |
43 |
| 3. |
Buena Vista University |
37 |
| 4. |
Simpson College |
32 |
| 5. |
Central College |
21 |
| 6. |
Nebraska Wesleyan University |
20 |
| 7. |
Loras College |
14 |
| 8. |
University of Dubuque |
9 |
*coaches cannot vote for their own institution*
Buena Vista University:
2026-27 Schedule | 2026-27 Roster
2025-26 Record: 17-10 overall, 10-6 A-R-C
2025-26 Conference Finish: 3rd
Buena Vista enters the 2026-27 season looking to build on a third-place finish in the league under third-year head coach Kylee Boettcher. The Beavers finished 17-10 overall and 10-6 in conference play last season and return a strong core of talent, including four all-conference selections. Bradi Krager leads the group alongside Mary Walker, Adeeya Yanga and Tyme Boettcher. All four return to the starting lineup, providing valuable experience and leadership as Buena Vista looks to remain competitive in the conference. The Beavers will look to fill the void left by the departure of Danika Demers while continuing to build on last season’s success.
"We are looking forward to this season to continue to grow our game. We are excited to watch our returners as they lead and continue to set the standard for BVU Women's Basketball." ~ Kylee Boettcher
Central College:
2026-27 Schedule | 2026-27 Roster
2025-26 Record: 12-14 overall, 7-9 A-R-C
2025-26 Conference Finish: 6th
Central enters the 2026-27 season looking to improve on a sixth-place finish in the conference under fourth-year head coach Justin Weiland. The Dutch finished 12-14 overall and 7-9 in conference play last season and return three all-conference selections in Emily Naughton, Cece Moore and Maddie Backer. All three return to the starting lineup, providing an experienced foundation as Central looks to take the next step in conference play. The Dutch will work to replace the contributions of departed starters Jadyn Filling and Kaitlyn Mumm while building on the growth of their returning roster.
"We are looking forward to another extremely competitive season in the American Rivers Conference. We are excited to get started and show how much our team has grown." ~ Justin Weiland
Coe College:
2026-27 Schedule | 2026-27 Roster
2025-26 Record: 22-7 overall, 13-2 A-R-C
2025-26 Conference Finish: 2nd
Coe returns to the court for this season aiming to grow on a runner-up finish in the league last year. Under tenth-year head coach Kayla Waskow, the Kohawks posted a 22-7 overall record and went 13-2 in conference play. Coe brings back a talented group led by Audrie Helmrichs, Taryn Kravig and Averiel Brady. The Kohawks will look to fill the gaps left by departing starters Caydee Kirkham and Kelly Knight while integrating newcomers into the lineup. With a challenging non-conference schedule ahead, Coe hopes to use those early matchups to prepare for the nightly competition in the A-R-C.
"Our team is excited to kick off the upcoming season. We have a talented group with a strong returning core that has been great leading our newcomers so far. We look forward to a tough non-conference schedule to prepare us for great competition every night in conference play." ~ Kayla Waskow
University of Dubuque:
2026-27 Schedule | 2026-27 Roster
2025-26 Record: 5-20 overall, 3-13 A-R-C
2025-26 Conference Finish: 8th
Under second-year head coach Madeline Jansen, the team looks to make strides this season. The squad posted a 5-20 overall record and went 3-13 in conference play during the 2025-26 campaign. Avery Green and Lilly Craig return to the starting lineup, providing a foundation of experience as the team blends its returning players with newcomers. The departure of starters Christina Simonetti and Taylor Martin creates opportunities for others to step into expanded roles as the team works to improve its standing in the A-R-C.
“We’re excited about the great mix of returners and newcomers we have this season. As we enter year two, we’re committed to raising our standard, competing with purpose, and continuing to take steps forward in the American Rivers Conference.” ~ Madeline Jansen
Loras College:
2026-27 Schedule | 2026-27 Roster
2025-26 Record: 9-16 overall, 5-11 A-R-C
2025-26 Conference Finish: 7th
Under fourth-year head coach Justin Busch, the team enters the season looking to establish a new identity after finishing seventh in the conference last season. The squad recorded a 9-16 overall mark and a 5-11 conference record during the 2025-26 season. Kiah Davis is the lone returning starter, while the team will need to replace the production and experience of Claire Wagner, Lexi Beier, Kylie Rigby and Ashtyn Kelderman. With no returning all-conference selections, the group will look to build chemistry, embrace new roles and develop its identity as it prepares for another season of A-R-C competition.
"This group is connected, unselfish, and genuinely wants to see each other succeed. We lost a lot of production and experience, but that also gives this team an opportunity to create its own identity. I’m excited to see how far our togetherness can take us.” ~ Justin Busch
Nebraska Wesleyan University:
2026-27 Schedule | 2026-27 Roster
2025-26 Record: 5-20 overall, 2-13 A-R-C
2025-26 Conference Finish: 9th
Nebraska Wesleyan begins a new chapter in 2026-27 under first-year head coach Sydney Golladay after finishing the 2025-26 season with a 5-20 overall record and a 2-13 mark in league play. The Prairie Wolves return a solid foundation, led by Anastyn Pettlon and Maddie Demke, who will be joined by returning starter Brynn Sebek. With Carney Black and Ali Davis among the departed starters, Nebraska Wesleyan will look to its returning players and newcomers to step into expanded roles. Golladay’s first season will focus on building team chemistry and continued development as the Prairie Wolves prepare to compete in a challenging A-R-C.
"I’m excited to begin my first season as a head coach in the American Rivers Conference. We have a good mix of experience, athleticism, and new energy on this team. The A-R-C is a talented and competitive conference, and we’re looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to continue growing together throughout the season." ~ Sydney Golladay
Simpson College:
2026-27 Schedule | 2026-27 Roster
2025-26 Record: 13-13 overall, 9-7 A-R-C
2025-26 Conference Finish: 4th
Simpson College looks to build on a fourth-place finish in the conference as it enters the 2026-27 season under 40th-year head coach Brian Niemuth. The Storm finished 13-13 overall and 9-7 in conference play last season and return four starters, including Ella Anderson and Taylor Hanson. Doryn Paup and Karsen Jacks also return to the lineup, giving Simpson an experienced core heading into the new campaign. The Storm will look to replace the contributions of Maddax DeVault and Elle Street while preparing for another competitive season in the A-R-C.
"I’m looking forward to another year where every game will be competitive. Another strong year for women’s basketball in the A-R-C." ~ Brian Niemuth
Wartburg College:
2026-27 Schedule | 2026-27 Roster
2025-26 Record: 20-7 overall, 15-1 A-R-C
2025-26 Conference Finish: 1st
Wartburg returns to this season looking to defend its league title after finishing atop the standings with a 20-7 overall record and a 15-1 conference mark last year. In his 21st season at the helm, head coach Bob Amsberry welcomes back a strong lineup featuring four all-conference honorees. Grace Hennessy and Katie Boulanger headline the returners, joined by Lauren Golinghorst and Corrie Harrison. All five starters are back, including Emma Townsley, giving the Knights continuity and experience as they aim to build on last season’s championship performance. Wartburg will look to take another step forward against a challenging non-conference schedule while replacing the contributions of Lauren Donlea.
"We are looking to build on the progress we made with a very young and inexperienced team last year and are focused on taking the next steps as a program. Our non-conference schedule is very strong and will provide some early challenges as we strive to reach new levels as a team." ~ Bob Amsberry
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About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to eight full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. The A-R-C also includes two affiliate members for men’s and women’s swimming & diving: Illinois Tech and University of Minnesota Morris.
