Raiders Slotted Sixth in GPAC Ahead of 2026-27 Season

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The Northwestern women's basketball team has been picked sixth in the 2026-27 GPAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, the conference office announced today.

The Raiders enter the season with a healthy mix of returning players and newcomers. Seniors Allison Piercy and Emily TerWee return to the rotation after Piercy was named a Second Team All-GPAC honoree and TerWee played a career-high 28 games last season. Margo Schuiteman was another key piece in the starting lineup, starting 30 games and averaging 8.6 points per game. The Raiders went 16-14 and earned a berth in the NAIA tournament for the sixth consecutive year.

Northwestern collected 70 points in the poll. Dakota Wesleyan and Dordt tied for first place in the poll, both receiving 116 points and six first-place votes. Concordia was third with 96 points, with Hastings following at 95 points. A vote from the league's head coaches determined the results. Coaches could not vote for their own team.

Here are the full results of the GPAC Preseason Coaches' Poll:
T1. Dakota Wesleyan – 116 pts. (6 first-place votes)
T1. Dordt – 116 pts. (6 first-place votes)
3. Concordia – 96 pts.
4. Hastings – 95 pts.
5. Briar Cliff – 79 pts.
6. Northwestern – 70 pts.
7. Morningside – 58 pts.
8. Mount Marty – 56 pts.
9. Doane – 43 pts.
10. Midland – 28 pts.
11. College of Saint Mary – 21 pts.
12. Waldorf – 14 pts.

The Raiders will open the season on the road on October 24, facing Mount Mercy.

Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#3 Allison Piercy: G; 5' 8"; Senior

#10 Margo Schuiteman: F; 6' 1"; Sophomore

#32 Emily TerWee: F; 6' 1"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#3 Allison Piercy
: 5' 8"; Senior
: G

#10 Margo Schuiteman
: 6' 1"; Sophomore
: F

#32 Emily TerWee
: 6' 1"; Senior
: F

Players Mentioned

#3 Allison Piercy

#10 Margo Schuiteman

#32 Emily TerWee

Players Mentioned

#3 Allison Piercy

#10 Margo Schuiteman

#32 Emily TerWee