William Penn Picked Ninth in Heart

Oskaloosa–The Statesmen women’s basketball team will look to be a darkhorse under its new leadership as the Heart of America Athletic Conference preseason coaches poll was announced Friday.

Led by first-year head coach Jenna Santi, WPU, which was 10-9 last year (10-7 Heart), is ranked ninth in the 14-team league with 62 points. MidAmerica Nazarene is the preseason choice to win the Heart with 148 points.

MNU edged out Central Methodist for the top spot as the Eagles are second with 145 points. Clarke is also near the top, holding the third spot with 135 points. Benedictine (123) and Grand View (118) also eclipsed the century mark to round out the top five.

Evangel (97), Mount Mercy (83), and Baker (82) are also ahead of the Statesmen, while Missouri Valley concludes the top 10 with 60 points. Graceland (41), Peru State (35), Culver-Stockton (27), and Park (19) finish out the preseason standings.

William Penn starts the 2021-2022 campaign on October 29 against #2 Wayland Baptist as part of the Clarke Classic. The squad begins Heart play November 19 at home versus Peru State.

2021-2022 Heart Women’s Basketball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. MidAmerica Nazarene–148
2. Central Methodist–145
3. Clarke–135
4. Benedictine–123
5. Grand View–118
6. Evangel–97
7. Mount Mercy–83
8. Baker–82
9. William Penn–62
10. Missouri Valley–60
11. Graceland–41
12. Peru State–35
13. Culver-Stockton–27
14. Park–19