New Braunfels, Texas – Hardin-Simmons has been picked to repeat as American Southwest Conference Women’s Basketball Champions, finishing first in the 2026-27 Preseason Poll, announced Friday. The Cowgirls return 2025-26 ASC Player of the Year Jacqueline Berry and All-Conference selection MaeSyn Gay. Voting was conducted by the head women’s basketball coaches and sports information directors from each ASC institution.

East Texas Baptist was picked to finish second, earning 54 points in the poll. The Tigers finished 16-9 overall, with their season ending in a 60-58 loss to Howard Payne in the ASC Championship Tournament semifinals. McMurry was selected third after posting an 18-9 overall record in 2025-26.

Mary Hardin-Baylor and Howard Payne finished within two points of each other in the poll, earning 36 and 34 points, respectively. The Cru return 2025-26 All-Freshman Team selection Natalia Galvan, while the Yellow Jackets welcome back last year’s ASC Newcomer of the Year, Caitlyn Parsons, and All-Conference selection Hope Hermesmeyer.

Schreiner rounds out the poll with 17 points. The Mountaineers will open their 2026-27 campaign on the road at Milwaukee School of Engineering.
 

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2026-27 Preseason Poll

1. Hardin-Simmons, 71 (11)
2. East Texas Baptist, 54
3. McMurry, 40 (1)
4. Mary Hardin-Baylor, 36
5. Howard Payne, 34
6. Schreiner, 17

2026-27 Players to Watch 
 

Name	Position	Class	School
Jacqueline Berry*P	G/F	Jr.	Hardin-Simmons
Lynnashia Brooks	C	Jr.	Schreiner
Madison Clay	G	Sr.	Howard Payne
Natalia Galvan F	G	So.	Mary Hardin-Baylor
Ashlynn Galvin	G	Jr.	McMurry
Gracie Garcia	G	Sr.	Schreiner
MaeSyn Gay*	F	Jr.	Hardin-Simmons
Hope Hermesmeyer*	G	Jr.	Howard Payne
Macey Jones*	C	Sr.	East Texas Baptist
Maddy Kincaide	G	Jr.	Schreiner
Dylan Koele	G	Jr.	Hardin-Simmons
Aubrey Marjason	F	Sr.	East Texas Baptist
Caitlyn Parsons*N	C	So.	Howard Payne
Tristan Smith	F	Sr.	East Texas Baptist