HOUSTON – The University of St. Thomas women's basketball team was picked fifth in the 2026-27 SCAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, released Wednesday, collecting 48 points from the league's head coaches as the Celts open a new chapter under first-year head coach Nathan Ghavidel.
St. Thomas is coming off an 18-6 overall campaign that included an 11-5 mark in SCAC play, and the Celts bring back a veteran core that played a major role in that success. Returning are three Honorable Mention All-SCAC performers in Macie Whitfield, Kenna Gibson and Laura Jones, who combined to average 28.1 points per game a season ago. Their experience gives Ghavidel a strong foundation to build on in year one.
Colorado College was tabbed the preseason favorite with 76 points and six first-place votes, followed by Hendrix (70, three first-place votes), Texas Lutheran (64, one first-place vote) and reigning tournament champion Austin College (63). St. Thomas sits fifth, followed by Ozarks (44), Concordia (Tex.) (33), LeTourneau (22), Dallas (20) and Centenary (10).
This season's SCAC Championships move to a neutral site for the first time in league history, with Brookshire Grocery Arena in Shreveport-Bossier hosting the tournament's 25th anniversary edition. The top six teams will compete for the conference title and the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Championship.
SCAC Basketball Media Days begin Monday, Oct. 26, and the Celts tip off the 2026-27 season on Friday, Nov. 6.
2026-27 SCAC Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll
(first-place votes in parentheses)
- Colorado College (6) – 76
- Hendrix (3) – 70
- Texas Lutheran (1) – 64
- Austin College – 63
- St. Thomas (Tex.) – 48
- Ozarks (Ark.) – 44
- Concordia (Tex.) – 33
- LeTourneau – 22
- Dallas – 20
- Centenary – 10
