Statesmen Looking to Surprise the League in 2026-2027

Oskaloosa–The William Penn women’s basketball team is seeking to be a darkhorse as the 2026-2027 Heart of America Athletic Conference preseason coaches poll was announced Thursday.

WPU, which was 7-21 last year (4-16 Heart), is expected to finish 15th in the 16-team league with 49 points.

Benedictine leads the poll with 251 points and 11 first-place votes, while MidAmerica Nazarene is a close second with 241 points and the final five first-place votes. Grand View (214), Missouri Valley (205), and Culver-Stockton (190) wrap up the top five.

Clarke leads the remaining programs with 169 points, followed by Central Methodist (160), Missouri Baptist (138), Peru State (127), Park (94), Mount Mercy (90), Baker (86), St. Ambrose (80), and Graceland (53). William Woods is behind WPU in 16th with 29 points.

William Penn begins its season in Mitchell, S.D. on October 30 with a matchup against Dakota Wesleyan at 5:30 p.m.

2026-2027 Heart Women’s Basketball Preseason Coaches Poll
(First-place votes in parentheses)
1. Benedictine–251 (11)
2. MidAmerica Nazarene–241 (5)
3. Grand View–214
4. Missouri Valley–205
5. Culver-Stockton–190
6. Clarke–169
7. Central Methodist–160
8. Missouri Baptist–138
9. Peru State–127
10. Park–94
11. Mount Mercy–90
12. Baker–86
13. St. Ambrose–80
14. Graceland–53
15. William Penn–49
16. William Woods—29