The Big Sky Conference released its women's basketball preseason coaches and media polls in Farmington, Utah, where the Idaho Vandals were projected to finish second in both categories. The team's performance and roster developments are central to the upcoming season.
Idaho Vandals head coach Arthur Moreira highlighted the depth of the team, noting that Idaho enters the season with six returning players, including three starters from last year's championship starting five, and eight newcomers. Among the key transfers are 6-foot-2 senior Keanna Salave'a from Sacramento State and sophomore Brynna Pukis from Long Beach State. International talent includes 6-foot-2 senior Keanna Salave'a from Brazil, Alexia Dagba from Brazil, and Fatumata Djalo from Brazil. Hope Hassmann, named to Preseason All-Conference Team and anchoring the backcourt, is a standout performer. Juniors Ana Beatriz Passos Alves da Silva and Ana Pinheiro, along with returners Ella Uriarte and Reese de Groot, are developing during the offseason. The team also secured two first-place votes in the coaches poll and three in the media poll, underscoring its competitive edge.
Montana State was selected as the preseason favorite in both polls, with a 99-point margin over Idaho's 90-point lead. The Big Sky Women's Basketball Preseason All-Conference Team includes Taylee Chirrick (Montana State), Hope Hassmann (Idaho), Kourtney Grossman (Eastern Washington), Addison Harris (Montana State), Ava Uhrich (Southern Utah), Avery Waddington (Montana), and Elyn Bowers (Eastern Washington). Ava Uhrich, representing Southern Utah, is among the Utah-based team representatives in the list. Upcoming matchups, including a game against Saint Martin's on November 2, are shaping the season's trajectory.
The preseason rankings reflect the competitive landscape of the Big Sky Conference, with Idaho Vandals poised for a strong season. Southern Utah and Utah Tech are also featured in the rankings, signaling a dynamic season. For more information, visit GoVandals.com/Tickets. The source did not report the status of any related legislation.
