A New Balance of Power? The Maple Minute's 2026–27 ACAC Women's Basketball Preseason Preview
I'm looking forward to another ACAC women's basketball season, and I think this could be one of the more interesting championship races we've had in a while. The King's University is defending its first conference title, NAIT is replacing much of the team that reached the championship game, and Concordia has a new head coach. Meanwhile, several programs in the South have enough returning talent to challenge the established contenders.
Last season, King's defeated NAIT 81–44 in the ACAC championship game, with Concordia claiming bronze. The North was particularly strong, with King's, NAIT, Concordia and Augustana all winning at least 15 games. But as we've seen over the years, regular-season success doesn't guarantee much once the playoffs begin.
What stands out heading into 2026–27 is just how much talent has moved on. The conference has lost several All-Conference players, including both divisional Players of the Year. Some programs are replacing players who rank among the ACAC's all-time statistical leaders, while others have retained enough experience to take advantage of that turnover.
I've used last season's statistics, current rosters, transfers, incoming recruits, exhibition results and information provided by coaches to put together five tiers. These are my early thoughts, and I expect a few teams will prove me wrong as the season develops.
As with our men's preview, the teams are grouped into five tiers rather than ranked from first to fifteenth. The returning-scoring percentages compare last season's conference production with the players listed on current rosters. They provide some context for roster turnover, but they don't tell the whole story.
Tier 1 — Championship Favourite
SAIT Trojans
Head coach: Steve Shoults (3rd season) | 2025–26: 14–7, tied for first in South; South Coach of the Year | Returning scoring: 57%
I have SAIT entering the season as my early championship favourite. Coach Shoults has established one of the conference's strongest defensive programs, and although the Trojans have lost two important offensive contributors, they return an experienced group that understands what it takes to compete at the top of the South.
SAIT allowed just 56.6 points per game last season, relying on defensive pressure, disciplined execution and the ability to create offence from turnovers. That foundation gives the Trojans a chance to remain among the conference's best teams despite the changes.
Who's Back: Kyler Varga (5'9", 5th year, Medicine Hat) leads the returning group after averaging 12.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists. The South Second Team All-Conference selection is joined by Jaida Wallis (5'7", 4th year, Medicine Hat), who averaged 9.5 points, and Tana Iwanusiw (5'8", 4th year, Airdrie), who contributed 8.3 points and 4.8 assists.
Keneisha Nepinak (6'1", 5th year, Winnipeg), Tyla Hammermaster (5'9", 3rd year, Fairview) and Claire Van Winkle also return. That's a substantial amount of experience in a conference where several contenders are rebuilding major portions of their rotations.
Who's New: Sophia Ingenhaag (6'0", 3rd year, Red Deer) arrives from Medicine Hat, where she averaged 2.2 points and 1.8 rebounds. Shoults has also added a large first-year group that includes Grace Stevens (5'10", Medicine Hat), Cassie Giffen (5'8", Calgary), Taylor Anstey (5'8", Edson), Cadence Schwartz (5'9", Brooks) and Ichika Tanaka (5'5", Yugawara, Japan).
There are opportunities for those newcomers to contribute, particularly in the frontcourt, but the Trojans won't need all of them to become major players immediately.
Who's Gone: First Team All-Conference forward Kitawna Sparks (15.0 PPG, 9.2 RPG) and Ava Kearl (12.4 PPG) leave considerable production to replace. Sparks finished her ACAC career with 1,177 points and 652 rebounds, ranking among the conference's historical leaders in both categories. Kearl was the 2025–26 South Defensive Player of the Year and finished with 215 career steals, 17th on the ACAC all-time list.
Those departures affect far more than scoring. SAIT must replace interior rebounding, defensive versatility and the experience of two proven players.
Player to watch — Kyler Varga: Varga has already established herself as one of the South's better guards, but I think her importance increases considerably this season. With Sparks and Kearl gone, she will be counted on to lead the offence while helping the returning group maintain the defensive standards Shoults expects.
The Maple Minute Outlook: SAIT's preseason results have been encouraging, including three victories over defending champion King's and a win against Augustana. The Trojans also lost to NAIT, so there are still questions to answer. I like their experience, defensive foundation and early results enough to consider them the team to beat.
University of Alberta-Augustana Vikings
Head coach: Marissa Lindquist (2nd season) | 2025–26: 15–5, fourth in North | Returning scoring: 69%
Augustana might have the best opportunity to take advantage of the turnover throughout the North Division. The Vikings won 15 games last season and return two established fifth-year players who can carry significant offensive responsibilities.
I like the balance of this roster. There is experience in the backcourt, some size inside and enough returning production that Lindquist won't have to rebuild her entire rotation.
Who's Back: Mallory Ogilvie (5'7", 5th year, Edmonton) returns after averaging 14.1 points and shooting 39.2 percent from three. The North Second Team All-Conference selection is one of the most reliable perimeter threats in the conference.
Ella O'Hara (5'10", 5th year, Beaumont) averaged 9.3 points and gives the Vikings another experienced guard capable of providing offence. Raylene Badger (5'9", 5th year, Sexsmith), Ella Newman (5'10", 4th year, Calgary), Payton Mueller (5'11", 4th year, Vanderhoof) and Rachel Seguin (5'9", 3rd year, Sherwood Park) also return.
With Ogilvie and O'Hara entering their final seasons, Augustana has the kind of veteran leadership that can make a difference in close games.
Who's New: Emma Van Dijk (5'5", 3rd year, Westlock) arrives from Northwestern Polytechnic, where she averaged 5.6 points and 5.2 rebounds last season. The first-year additions include Dineo Khalema-Phillips (6'1", St. Albert), Bryn Holba (5'5", Hay Lakes), Lilly Slack (5'8", Prince Albert) and Sadie Aspinall (5'8", Estevan).
Who's Gone: Mackenzie Mrazik is the significant departure. The North First Team All-Conference selection averaged 16.7 points and 9.3 rebounds last season and finished her ACAC career with 1,207 points, 661 rebounds and 63 blocked shots. Those totals rank among the conference's historical leaders.
Mrazik is now listed on Augustana's coaching staff, allowing the program to retain her experience, but replacing her on-court production will be difficult. Erin Howes is another notable absence from last season's rotation.
Player to watch — Mallory Ogilvie: I've always valued efficient perimeter scoring, and Ogilvie gives Augustana exactly that. What interests me this season is whether she can maintain that efficiency while taking on a larger share of the offence without Mrazik.
The Maple Minute Outlook: The Vikings have already shown they can compete with the conference's better programs. I think their combination of experience, returning production and established scoring gives them a legitimate opportunity to win the North and challenge for the ACAC championship.
Tier 2 — Serious Contenders
The King's University Eagles
Head coach: Torey Hill (3rd season) | 2025–26: 17–3, ACAC champions | Returning scoring: 46%
I'm not prepared to dismiss King's after what the Eagles accomplished last season. Hill guided the program to its first ACAC women's championship, and King's was dominant at both ends of the floor, averaging 77.2 points while allowing just 54.5.
But the roster that won the championship is not the roster returning this season. King's has lost several players who played major roles in its success, leaving Hill with the challenge of developing a new group while maintaining championship expectations.
Who's Back: Jordana Rivet (5'6", 5th year, Sturgeon County) is the leading returning scorer after averaging 12.5 points. The North Second Team All-Conference selection should become an even more important part of the offence.
Tori Day (6'1", 5th year, Airdrie) returns after averaging 9.4 points and six rebounds, while Hailey Yorke (5'10", 4th year, Ardrossan) and Olivia Pedersen (5'10", 4th year, Beaumont) provide additional experience.
North Division Rookie of the Year Raya Plouffe (5'8", 2nd year, Sherwood Park) is another player whose role could grow considerably. She was part of a championship group as a first-year player and now has an opportunity to become a more important contributor.
Who's New: King's has added several first-year players, including Rowan Hubick (5'11", St. Albert), Marina Gendron (5'10", Edmonton), Erin Nienhuis (6'0", Saskatoon) and Addison Simpson (5'10", Moose Jaw).
Nienhuis comes from Saskatoon Christian School, while Simpson adds another Saskatchewan connection. There is size and potential among the newcomers, although asking them to immediately replace championship-level veterans would be a considerable challenge.
Who's Gone: Aneilia Ayotte (17.6 PPG, 7.0 RPG), Megan Aleman (11.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG) and Jamie Bunting (8.7 PPG) leave enormous holes.
Ayotte finished her ACAC career with 1,251 points, ranking 17th in conference history. Aleman accumulated 293 assists and 241 steals, placing her among the ACAC's historical leaders in both categories. Bunting added another 172 career assists.
Aleman has also been listed as a 2026–27 U SPORTS recruit for the University of Lethbridge, where she has signed a letter of intent.
These are not players whose contributions can be measured only by points per game. Their experience, decision-making and ability to influence games in multiple ways were central to King's championship run.
Player to watch — Jordana Rivet: Rivet has already proven she can contribute to a championship team. Now I want to see how she handles becoming the primary offensive option while helping a younger group develop.
The Maple Minute Outlook: King's remains a serious contender because of its returning experience and the foundation Hill has established. However, three exhibition losses to SAIT suggest the Eagles may need time to find their identity. I expect King's to be dangerous again, but another championship is far from guaranteed.
St. Mary's Lightning
Head coach: Abdell Farag (3rd season) | 2025–26: 13–8, South Division | Returning scoring: 45%
St. Mary's had one of the more impressive defensive profiles in the conference last season, holding opponents to 56.8 points per game and just 30.5 percent shooting from the field. The Lightning forced nearly 30 turnovers per game, using defensive pressure to create scoring opportunities.
The challenge for Farag is maintaining that identity without two of the conference's most productive guards.
Who's Back: Salome Nuako (6'1", 4th year, Sherwood Park) returns after averaging 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. Adit Deng (6'0", 5th year, Calgary) contributed 7.2 points while shooting 48.2 percent from the field.
Together, Nuako and Deng have accumulated 109 career blocked shots. Nuako ranks 17th in ACAC women's history with 56, while Deng is tied for 18th with 53. That gives St. Mary's an interesting defensive foundation despite its significant backcourt losses.
Calla McLeod (5'10", 2nd year, Calgary), Valentina Okeke (5'11", 2nd year, Calgary), Eva Nickerson (5'10", 4th year, Calgary) and Oge Ejim (5'11", 4th year, Calgary) also return.
Who's New: Hannah Cameron (5'3", 4th year, Whitby) and Amber-Lyn May (5'9", 5th year, Calgary) are among the experienced additions. First-year players include Emma Dooley (6'1", Calgary), Millicent Patterson (5'10", Airdrie), Kylee North Peigan (5'6", Piikani Nation) and Brooklyn Bautista (5'2", Calgary).
There are several opportunities for newcomers to earn meaningful minutes, particularly in the backcourt.
Who's Gone: South Division Player of the Year Kendal Russell averaged 18.1 points and 3.6 steals last season, while First Team All-Conference guard Ivet Hidalgo contributed 11.7 points, 5.2 assists and 2.9 steals.
Russell finished her ACAC career with 970 points and 166 three-pointers, placing seventh on the conference's career three-point list. Hidalgo recorded 274 career assists, tied for 25th all-time.
Lesley Chalmers (6.3 PPG) is another notable absence. That's an enormous amount of offensive organization and defensive activity for the Lightning to replace.
Player to watch — Salome Nuako: With Russell and Hidalgo gone, Nuako has an opportunity to become the team's most influential player. Her defensive ability is already established, but St. Mary's may need more consistent offensive production from her.
The Maple Minute Outlook: The Lightning have recorded encouraging preseason results, including victories over King's and Red Deer. I think their defensive foundation and returning frontcourt talent keep them in the contender conversation, although replacing the Russell-Hidalgo backcourt will be difficult.
Tier 3 — Playoff Contenders
NAIT Ooks
Head coach: Kiera Lyons (5th season) | 2025–26: 17–3, ACAC silver; fifth at CCAA Nationals | Returning scoring: 23%
I've gone back and forth on NAIT more than any other team in this preview. The Ooks finished 17–3, reached the ACAC championship game and finished fifth nationally. Lyons was named both the ACAC North Coach of the Year and the CCAA National Coach of the Year.
Normally, that would make NAIT an obvious championship contender. But returning only 23 percent of last season's scoring creates too many questions for me to put the Ooks in the top two tiers.
Who's Back: Dior Sellars (5'0", 3rd year, Okotoks) averaged 8.9 points and 3.1 assists last season and becomes one of NAIT's most important offensive players.
Laila Wright (5'11", 5th year, Scarborough) returns after contributing 7.9 points and 5.8 rebounds, while Adnee Tirao (5'5", 4th year, Edmonton) and Laura Wilson (5'8", 2nd year, Ponoka) provide additional experience.
Who's New: Arian Batallones (5'2", 4th year, Whitehorse) joins NAIT after averaging 4.3 points with Keyano. Paige Cooper (6'0", 5th year, Medicine Hat) and Sophia Gregersen, previously listed with Briercrest, are also among the additions.
The first-year group includes Ruka Araki (5'7", Ritto, Japan), Brooke Birnie (5'4", Regina), Chloe Rieger (5'10", Regina) and Charlie Szabo (5'7", Yorkton).
There are interesting pieces here, but several players will need to become significant contributors much sooner than they might have expected.
Who's Gone: First Team All-Conference guard Payton Neilson averaged 18.4 points, while Second Team selection Mikah Reed added 13.5. Rory Vandermeer (7.9 PPG), Makayla Rose (7.3 PPG) and Grace Culshaw (4.8 PPG) are also among the notable absences.
It's difficult to overstate the impact of losing so much production from a team that relied on its experienced backcourt.
Player to watch — Dior Sellars: Sellars has an opportunity to become one of the primary offensive options. Her ability to create shots, manage possessions and help the newcomers adjust will be particularly important.
The Maple Minute Outlook: The Ooks have already defeated Concordia and SAIT in exhibition play, so I wouldn't be surprised if they finish above this tier. But I want to see how they handle the regular-season pressure without Neilson and Reed. I expect NAIT to be competitive, although another championship appearance would require a significant amount of development.
Ambrose Lions
Head coach: Aphia Ward (2nd season) | 2025–26: 8–13, South Division | Returning scoring: 71%
Ambrose is my early pick to make one of the biggest moves up the standings. The Lions finished just 8–13 last season, but they return considerably more established production than several teams that finished above them.
There are legitimate questions about how that experience will translate into wins, but I like the foundation Ward has entering her second year.
Who's Back: Andrijana Bokan (5'11", 5th year, Calgary) is one of the conference's most complete players. The South Second Team All-Conference selection averaged 15.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and three steals in 17 games.
Grace Meyer (5'10", 4th year, Irricana) returns after averaging 14 points and 6.8 rebounds, while Audrey Dayrit (5'2", 4th year, Calgary) contributed 9.4 points.
Juliana Hajduk (6'1", 4th year, Calgary), Hannah Brundage (5'9", 4th year, Paradise Valley) and Brooklyn Morse (5'11", 4th year, Calgary) provide additional experience.
Few teams in the South return this much established production.
Who's New: Alexis Kemp (6'0", 3rd year, Winnipeg) arrives from Keyano, where she averaged 4.5 points and 5.4 rebounds. Simarpreet Giani (5'4", 3rd year, Edmonton) also joins from the Huskies, while Juniana Revilla (5'7", Saskatoon) is among the first-year additions.
Kemp gives Ambrose another experienced player who can contribute on the boards, an important addition alongside Bokan and Meyer.
Who's Gone: Prissy Chuoi (11.7 PPG) and Ariana Dela Paz (6.8 PPG) are the most significant absences. Their departure creates opportunities for the returning core and newcomers to take on larger roles.
Player to watch — Andrijana Bokan: Bokan's individual production is already among the best in the conference. What I want to see is whether that production, combined with more experience around her, translates into more consistent team success.
The Maple Minute Outlook: The exhibition results haven't provided overwhelming evidence of a breakthrough, including losses to Lethbridge and Augustana. But Ambrose has enough returning talent to be considerably better than last season's record suggests. I think the Lions could be one of the surprise teams in the South and would not be surprised to see them challenge teams currently placed above them.
Concordia Thunder
Head coach: Rick Stanley (1st season) | 2025–26: 16–4, ACAC bronze | Returning scoring: 34%
Concordia is undergoing one of the conference's more significant transitions. Rick Stanley takes over a program that finished 16–4 and won bronze, but he inherits a very different roster from the one that enjoyed that success.
Stanley brings an impressive basketball background. He was the inaugural national university Rookie of the Year while playing for the Alberta Golden Bears and later earned two Canada West First Team All-Star selections. His coaching experience includes successful high-school programs in Edmonton and involvement with provincial basketball.
That experience should be valuable, but replacing the North Division Player of the Year is not a small assignment.
Who's Back: Haley Cleland (5'9", 5th year, Saskatoon) returns after averaging 7.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists. Megan Jetzke (5'8", 3rd year, Saskatoon) averaged 7.5 points, while Rylie Stewart (5'8", 3rd year, Beaumont) contributed five points per game.
Tayla Hannah (5'7", 4th year, North Battleford), Anna DeKlerk and Laurel Van der Giessen also return, providing some continuity within a changing program.
Who's New: Danika Cadieux (5'6", 4th year, Bezanson) joins Concordia after averaging 10.3 points with Keyano last season. Her experience and scoring ability could become particularly important.
First-year players include Raea Walters (5'7", Edmonton), Kiera Bolle (5'10", Leduc), Maddison Fischer (5'8", Devon) and Julia Russell (5'5", Edmonton).
Who's Gone: Chloe Sutherland-Deklerk averaged 21.9 points and was named both the North Division Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. She also finished with 188 career steals and 174 assists, placing among the ACAC's historical leaders in both categories.
Georgia Bowman (7.8 PPG), Jaycee May (6.0 PPG) and Grethe Winchell (6.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG) are also absent from the current roster.
There is a significant difference between replacing scoring and replacing a player who influenced games as consistently as Sutherland-Deklerk.
Player to watch — Danika Cadieux: Concordia needs new offensive leaders, and Cadieux has already shown she can produce at this level. I am interested in seeing how quickly she develops chemistry with the returning guards.
The Maple Minute Outlook: I expect Concordia to remain competitive, but I think the combination of roster turnover and a new coaching staff makes the Thunder more of a playoff contender than an immediate championship favourite. Stanley has an established program to build upon, but this group may need time.
Briercrest Clippers
Head coach: Carter Martens (2nd season) | 2025–26: 14–7, tied for first in South | Returning scoring: 46%
Briercrest has been one of the more consistent programs in the South over the past several seasons, and the Clippers finished tied with SAIT atop the division last year. But there are significant questions about where their offence will come from this season.
Who's Back: Sarah Neustaeter (6'3", 2nd year, Swift Current) returns after averaging seven points and 6.1 rebounds. Her size and rebounding should become increasingly important.
Eve Duerksen (5'9", 5th year, Coaldale), Claire Grislis (5'11", 5th year, Winnipeg) and Hannah Matuszewski (5'7", 5th year, Winkler) provide valuable experience.
Taylor Chepil (6'1", 2nd year, Wynyard) is another player whose role could grow after averaging 4.4 points and 2.9 rebounds.
Who's New: The Clippers have added several first-year players, including Ariyana Metlewski (5'9", North Battleford), Avery Drebert (5'4", Sherwood Park), Eva Pryor (5'7", Three Hills), Molly Black (5'6", Vanderhoof) and Maeva Putz (5'10", Edmonton).
With so much scoring leaving, there should be opportunities for the newcomers to earn minutes.
Who's Gone: First Team All-Conference selection Dori Sunderland (12.4 PPG), Second Team selection Sydney Waind (11.8 PPG) and Sienna Anderson (9.7 PPG) represent substantial departures.
Briercrest averaged 72.5 points last season, and replacing three of its most productive scorers will be difficult.
Player to watch — Sarah Neustaeter: Neustaeter provides size and an established rebounding presence. I think she has an opportunity to become a much more important part of the Clippers' offence this season.
The Maple Minute Outlook: Briercrest has enough experience to remain in the playoff conversation, but I want to see how the new scoring responsibilities are distributed. The Clippers could finish higher than this placement if their younger players develop quickly.
Medicine Hat Rattlers
Head coach: Chad Watson (3rd season) | 2025–26: 8–13, South Division | Returning scoring: 40%
Medicine Hat was more competitive than its record suggests last season. The Rattlers averaged 67.5 points and allowed 66.7, giving them a positive scoring differential despite finishing five games below .500.
That makes their roster turnover particularly interesting. Medicine Hat wasn't far from winning more games, but it must replace two important contributors before taking the next step.
Who's Back: Brynn Bremner (5'6", 4th year, Brooks) is the leading returning scorer after averaging 8.5 points.
Veda Gottselig (5'11", 4th year, Swift Current) returns after contributing 6.4 points and 7.2 rebounds. Kylee Michaluk (5'2", 2nd year, Swift Current), Addison Graf (5'9", 3rd year, Regina), Aislyn Farn (5'4", 3rd year, Lethbridge) and Dani Meyer (5'5", 2nd year, Swift Current) provide additional experience.
Who's New: Sarah Luger (5'7", 3rd year, Redwater) joins from Keyano. The first-year group includes Nicole Lynch (5'10", Regina), Serena Cleary (5'11", Sylvan Lake), Holly Boone (6'0", Picture Butte) and Ava Jessen (5'10", Pincher Creek).
Who's Gone: Alexis Watkiss averaged 14.4 points and 7.5 rebounds, earning South Second Team All-Conference honours. Watkiss has since moved to U SPORTS, joining St. Francis Xavier University in the AUS.
Jasmine Gardiner (13.6 PPG, 5.3 APG) is another significant departure. Together, Watkiss and Gardiner accounted for a substantial portion of Medicine Hat's offensive production.
Player to watch — Veda Gottselig: Gottselig will need to become an even more important rebounding presence without Watkiss. Her experience should help a roster that will rely on several new contributors.
The Maple Minute Outlook: Medicine Hat has shown some encouraging preseason signs, including a victory over Briercrest. I think the Rattlers can challenge for a playoff position, but replacing Watkiss and Gardiner will require a more balanced offensive approach.
Keyano Huskies
Head coach: Dwayne Vigilance (15th season) | 2025–26: 9–11, fifth in North | Returning scoring: 38%
Keyano might be one of the more interesting teams to watch in the North this season. Coach Dwayne Vigilance enters his 15th year leading the Huskies and has made it clear that the team's offensive approach will look different from previous seasons.
After finishing 9–11, Keyano returns 10 players and has added six newcomers. Vigilance wants a more balanced attack, with better ball movement and scoring contributions coming from multiple players rather than relying so heavily on individual production.
Who's Back: Ryley Bullock (5'10", 5th year, Kelowna) leads the returning group after averaging 15.3 points and shooting 40.3 percent from three. The North Second Team All-Conference selection is expected to provide strong leadership, and Vigilance believes there is room for an even better final season.
Sydney Fraess (5'10", 4th year, Chilliwack) is another important veteran after averaging 5.8 points. Emma Tomchuk (5'4", 5th year, Thompson) returns from a season-ending shoulder injury, and Vigilance expects both seniors to provide leadership on and off the court.
Tomchuk is hoping to finish her college career with a trip to the ACAC championship.
Who's New: Ariel-Tomia Athe (5'6", St-Hubert, Quebec) arrives from Montmorency, bringing experience to a backcourt that Vigilance wants to become more secure with the basketball.
Ellis Granley (5'7", Spruce Grove) joins from the Spruce Grove Panthers and has already made an impact during preseason play.
Hanin Eleuch (5'10", Tunisia) is another intriguing addition, bringing international experience from Tunisia's U18 national programs in both five-on-five and 3x3 basketball. Vigilance identified Granley and Eleuch as two newcomers who have already contributed during the preseason and expects both to continue developing.
Who's Gone: Jaylynn Twin (12.1 PPG, 11.3 RPG) and Danika Cadieux (10.3 PPG) leave significant production to replace. Cadieux is now listed with Concordia, while Alexis Kemp and Simarpreet Giani have moved to Ambrose and Arian Batallones is with NAIT.
That is considerable experience leaving one program, particularly on the offensive end.
Player to watch — Ryley Bullock: Bullock is already an established perimeter scorer, but I am interested in seeing how the new offensive approach affects her opportunities. If Keyano can generate more scoring from multiple positions, opponents may have a harder time concentrating their defensive attention on her.
The Maple Minute Outlook: Injuries have complicated Keyano's preseason, with five players moving in and out of the lineup. Vigilance acknowledges that the team's new approach remains a work in progress, but he wants the Huskies playing faster, attacking aggressively and sharing the basketball more effectively.
I think Keyano has more potential than its returning-scoring percentage initially suggests. If the team gets healthy and the newcomers develop quickly, the Huskies could be more dangerous than their preseason placement indicates.
Tier 4 — Potential Risers
Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks
Head coach: Deanna Simpson (first season back) | 2025–26: 11–10, South Division | Returning scoring: 46%
Lethbridge enters the season with a familiar face returning to the sidelines. Deanna Simpson takes over following Ken McMurray's retirement, having previously coached the Kodiaks and earned ACAC South Coach of the Year honours in 2019–20.
Simpson understands the program and the conference, but she inherits a team that is replacing its leading scorer and several other contributors.
Who's Back: Chase Wells-Creighton (5'10", 3rd year, Standoff) leads the returning group after averaging 13.4 points, eight rebounds and 3.1 steals. The South Second Team All-Conference selection is one of the conference's more productive two-way players.
Zoe Michelson (5'10", 2nd year, Stirling) averaged 6.2 points, while Nyomi Heins (5'9", 3rd year, Diamond City) contributed 5.9 points and 5.9 rebounds. Gianna Gammie (5'7", 3rd year, Nanton) also returns.
Who's New: Jamie Colonna (5'4", 2nd year, Calgary) arrives after previously being listed with SAIT. Ashlyn Doeve (6'2", Barnwell), Jenna Meechance (5'10", Standoff), Desiree French (5'10", Jaffray) and Devyn Perrett (5'8", Cardston) are among the first-year additions.
There are opportunities for those players to contribute immediately, particularly after the changes to the frontcourt.
Who's Gone: South Division Rookie of the Year Summer Long averaged 16.6 points and 8.5 rebounds while earning First Team All-Conference honours. Gaby Power (9.0 PPG) is another significant absence.
Replacing Long's scoring and rebounding will be one of Simpson's biggest challenges.
Player to watch — Chase Wells-Creighton: Wells-Creighton has already established herself as one of the conference's better all-around players. With Long gone, she becomes the obvious focal point for Lethbridge at both ends of the floor.
The Maple Minute Outlook: I expect Simpson to keep Lethbridge competitive, but I think replacing Long will take time. The Kodiaks have enough experience to challenge teams in the middle of the South, although moving into championship contention would require significant contributions from the newcomers.
Red Deer Polytechnic Queens
Head coach: Dante Dinter (2nd season) | 2025–26: 6–15, South Division | Returning scoring: 29%
Red Deer is another program undergoing significant change. The Queens finished 6–15 last season, struggling to establish consistency offensively while allowing 70.1 points per game.
Coach Dinter enters his second season with a roster that has several new pieces but is also replacing much of last year's production.
Who's Back: Kira Main (5'7", 2nd year, Sylvan Lake) returns after averaging 6.8 points and 4.5 rebounds. Kaylee Foster (5'8", 4th year, Oregon City) contributed 8.4 points in 11 appearances.
Kasha Caibaiosai (5'5", 2nd year, Calgary), Willow Tanton (5'4", 4th year, Saskatoon) and Kayle Lammle (5'6", 3rd year, Three Hills) provide additional experience.
Who's New: Makayla Fleischfresser (6'2", 2nd year, Swift Current) arrives from Olds, where she averaged 9.7 points and 6.8 rebounds. Her size and experience should immediately help the Queens inside.
First-year additions include Shaye Ash (5'5", Sturgeon County), Jaycie Siedlecki (6'1", Edmonton) and EllaMay Perry (5'7", Halkirk).
Who's Gone: Avery Stypula (15.4 PPG), Jorgia Hicks (10.6 PPG, 4.9 APG) and Mia Cunningham (7.9 PPG, 7.7 RPG) represent major departures.
Those three players accounted for much of Red Deer's scoring, playmaking and rebounding, leaving several important roles to fill.
Player to watch — Makayla Fleischfresser: Fleischfresser has already shown she can produce at this level, and her presence should give the Queens a more established interior option. I am interested in seeing how much responsibility she takes on with her new program.
The Maple Minute Outlook: Red Deer has some interesting pieces and has shown signs of improvement during the preseason. I think the Queens can be more competitive, but they will need time to establish a consistent rotation and replace their lost scoring.
Tier 5 — Prove-It
Olds College Broncos
Head coach: Mike Hansen (1st season) | 2025–26: 4–17, eighth in South | Returning scoring: 45%
Olds enters a new era with Mike Hansen taking over the women's program. Hansen brings more than 30 years of coaching experience, including previous stops at Lethbridge College, NAIT and the University of Lethbridge.
His arrival gives the Broncos an experienced coach with a history of building competitive programs, but the challenge is substantial.
Olds averaged just 49.3 points last season while shooting 27.8 percent from the field. Those numbers highlight the difficulty the Broncos had generating consistent offence.
Who's Back: Kayla Hawryshko (5'6", 3rd year, Edmonton) returns after averaging 7.8 points. Chayanna Santillan (5'3", 2nd year, Calgary), Quinn Cabay (5'9", 3rd year, Ponoka) and Bree Hagen (5'6", 4th year, Weyburn) also return.
The Broncos have some backcourt experience, but they need more scoring throughout the rotation.
Who's New: Lauren White (5'6", 2nd year, Claresholm) and Calissa Haine (6'0", 2nd year, Cranbrook) arrive after previously being listed with SAIT.
Dyllan Beal (5'7", Cranbrook), Jane Comeau (5'6", Sylvan Lake) and Naoise Gelber (5'8", Pincher Creek) are among the first-year additions.
Who's Gone: Makayla Fleischfresser (9.7 PPG, 6.8 RPG) has moved to Red Deer. Lily Morgan (6.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG) and Haylee-Jo Heggie (4.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG) are also absent from the current roster.
The Broncos have lost a significant amount of their rebounding and interior production.
Player to watch — Kayla Hawryshko: Hawryshko has an opportunity to become one of the team's primary offensive options. Her experience will be particularly important as Hansen establishes his system.
The Maple Minute Outlook: I expect Olds to become more competitive under Hansen, but improving the offence won't happen overnight. The Broncos need better shot selection, more consistent scoring and a stronger defensive foundation before they can begin moving up the South standings.
Northwestern Polytechnic Wolves
Head coach: Philippe Mvondo (1st season) | 2025–26: 0–20, seventh in North | Returning scoring: 56%
Northwestern Polytechnic enters the season with a new head coach after a difficult 2025–26 campaign. The Wolves finished winless in conference play, averaging 40.5 points while allowing 77.7.
Those numbers illustrate how much work remains for Mvondo and his players. NWP struggled to generate consistent offence and had difficulty competing against the conference's stronger teams.
Who's Back: Kourtnie Menzies (5'9", 2nd year, Westlock) averaged seven points in 14 appearances last season, while Peyton Breen (5'9", 3rd year, Sexsmith) contributed 6.3 points and 3.9 rebounds.
Keira Komarnicki (5'8", 2nd year, High Level) averaged 4.3 points and 2.2 assists, while Brooke MacDonald (6'0", 2nd year, Prince George) provides some size inside.
Who's New: Alexandra Mills (4th year, Grande Prairie) and Paige Snyder (4th year, Westlock) are among the experienced additions to the roster.
First-year players include Malia Hingano (5'11", Grande Prairie), Hailey Giesbrecht (5'11", Winnipeg) and Brailin Anderton (5'9", Grande Prairie).
Who's Gone: Rachel Brooks (6.1 PPG) and Emma Van Dijk (5.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG) are notable absences. Van Dijk is now listed with Augustana.
Player to watch — Kourtnie Menzies: Menzies led the Wolves in scoring average last season and has an opportunity to establish herself as a more consistent offensive contributor.
The Maple Minute Outlook: Mvondo inherits a challenging situation, and I think improvement will need to be measured in more than wins and losses initially. Better offensive efficiency, fewer turnovers and more consistent defensive execution would provide a foundation for the program to build upon.
Lakeland Rustlers
Head coach: Todd Warnick (2nd season) | 2025–26: 2–18, sixth in North | Returning scoring: 86%
Lakeland enters the season looking to improve on a difficult 2025–26 campaign. The Rustlers finished 2–18, averaging just 39.2 points while allowing 75.1.
The offensive numbers were particularly concerning. Lakeland shot 30 percent from the field, 19.5 percent from three and committed nearly 31 turnovers per game. Those are substantial problems for a team hoping to become competitive in a difficult North Division.
The positive is that Lakeland returns more of its scoring production than any other team in the conference.
Who's Back: Declynn Wood (5'9", 2nd year, Peace River) averaged 12.1 points in 10 appearances last season, while Sadie Spenrath (5'5", 2nd year, Sturgeon County) contributed seven points per game.
Reese Fenrich (5'11", 2nd year, Wilkie) averaged 6.8 points and 9.3 rebounds, providing one of the team's more consistent contributions. Taylor Hebert (5'8", 2nd year, North Battleford) averaged 6.2 points and 2.4 steals.
Abbi Smith (5'10", 2nd year, Humboldt), Kate Rever and Alexandria McLaren also return.
Who's New: Jenna Rinsky (5'4", 4th year, Leduc) joins the Rustlers after playing at Concordia, where she averaged 5.3 points last season.
The first-year group includes Arwyn MacEwen (5'2", Lashburn), Fiona Gavin (6'2", Calgary) and Allie Tobin (6'5", Lloydminster). Tobin's size is notable, particularly for a team that struggled to compete consistently inside.
Who's Gone: Sarah Wolfe and Talia Thunderchild are among the players absent from the current roster. Lakeland has fewer major statistical departures than most programs, giving the returning group another opportunity to establish some continuity.
Player to watch — Reese Fenrich: Fenrich's rebounding was one of Lakeland's few consistent strengths last season. I am interested in seeing whether she can become a more productive offensive player while continuing to contribute on the boards.
The Maple Minute Outlook: Lakeland returns plenty of experience, but that alone doesn't guarantee improvement. The Rustlers need to become significantly more efficient offensively, take better care of the basketball and compete more consistently defensively. Until they demonstrate those improvements, I have them in the conference's bottom tier.
The Championship Picture
I have SAIT and Augustana in my top tier, but I don't think there is a clear runaway favourite entering this season.
SAIT has the returning experience, defensive identity and preseason results to justify its position. The Trojans have shown they can compete with the North's strongest teams, although replacing Sparks and Kearl will be difficult.
Augustana is in a similar position. The Vikings have two established fifth-year scorers and enough experienced pieces around them to make a championship run. Losing Mrazik creates a significant challenge inside, but I like the overall balance of their roster.
King's remains dangerous because of its championship experience and the foundation Hill has established, while St. Mary's has enough returning defensive talent to contend in the South. Both programs are replacing players who had enormous impacts on their success.
NAIT is the team I had the most difficulty placing. The Ooks lost so much production that I couldn't justify keeping them in the top two tiers, but their exhibition performances and the work Lyons has done with the program suggest they could prove that assessment wrong.
The team I am particularly interested in watching is Ambrose. The Lions return one of the conference's best individual players in Bokan, along with several experienced contributors. Their preseason results haven't been convincing enough to move them into the championship discussion, but I think they have the potential to make the biggest move up the standings.
I also think the North Division could be more competitive from top to bottom than last season, particularly among the teams fighting for playoff positions. Several programs are asking younger players to take on larger roles, and how quickly those players develop could make a considerable difference by the second semester.
We've seen plenty of examples over the years of teams looking very different in February than they did in October. With this much roster turnover, I expect that to happen again.
My early championship pick is SAIT, with Augustana as its biggest challenger. But I wouldn't be surprised if this turns into one of the more unpredictable ACAC women's seasons we've had in a while.
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