JACKSON, Mich. – The Crossroads League announced its 2025-2026 Women's Basketball Preseason Poll and Preseason All-League Team on Wednesday, as voted on by the league's head coaches.

Saint Francis was named the preseason favorite by a narrow margin over Marian, after posting a 26-5 overall record last season and a 15-3 mark in league play. The Cougars led the preseason poll with 12 points, followed by Marian (14), Indiana Wesleyan (27), Huntington (32) and Spring Arbor (40) in the top-five.

Marian finished third a season ago behind Indiana Wesleyan and Saint Francis, but finished as the Crossroads League Tournament Runner-Up after defeating the Cougars in the CL Semifinals. Marian reached the NAIA Quarterfinals last season, and carried a record of 27-8 on the season while going 15-3 in CL play. 

In addition to the preseason poll, the league released the preseason first and second teams in the league. Abbey McNally was dubbed as the Crossroads League Preseason Player of the Year, coming off an NAIA All-American First Team season and as the league's reigning Player of the Year. McNally finished the year averaging a double-double, scoring 19.4 points per game while grabbing 12.7 rebounds per game. 

Taylor Double joined McNally on the preseason first team list, coming off a First Team All-Crossroads League season a year ago. Kenna Kirby, Olivia Faust, Madisyn Bailey, and Kiley McNally were each named to the preseason second team. Kirby was a 2024-25 Second Team honoree, while Faust was named to the Honorable Mention Team. Bailey was the runner-up last season for CL Freshman of the Year, and was on the CL Freshmen Team. 

Marian's season will tip on November 1 in the PE Center against the University of Pikeville. 

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