WBB: Alberta edges Saskatchewan to top 2026-27 preseason poll

Oct. 23, 2026 – The Alberta Pandas enter the 2026-27 Canada West women’s basketball season considered the team to beat, narrowly edging the two-time defending national champion Saskatchewan Huskies for top spot in this year’s preseason coaches poll.

Alberta collected 249 points and 12 first-place votes to finish just four points ahead of Saskatchewan, which received five first-place nods. The UBC Thunderbirds (209) and UBCO Heat (205) followed in third and fourth, respectively, while the Trinity Western Spartans rounded out the top five with 196 points.

After finishing 15-5 in conference play last season before falling in the quarterfinals, the Pandas return 10 players as head coach Scott Edwards begins his 21st season behind the bench. Fifth-year guard Annacy Palmer, a 2025 Canada West All-Star, headlines an experienced group that also includes Kiah Easton-Ihediohanma, Reece Hall and Wilfrid Laurier transfer Kate White.

“[We have] an experienced roster that looks to rebound this season,” said Edwards. “This team will have to be committed to team defence and rebound well to compete with a deep Canada West league this season.”

The Huskies aren't on top of the Canada West preseason poll for the first time in recent memory, but with significant championship pedigree they'll no doubt remain among the conference’s elite. The Dogs look forward to beginning a new chapter following back-to-back U SPORTS national championships. Head coach Lisa Thomaidis enters her 28th season at the helm, with fifth-years Maya Flindall and Logan Reider providing veteran leadership following the graduation of five fifth-year contributors. Saskatchewan will rely on the pair to help guide a young roster featuring 10 newcomers as the Huskies pursue another championship run.

Out west, UBC sits third in the poll as the Thunderbirds look to build on an 18-win campaign and another trip to the U SPORTS Final 8. The return of multiple Canada West All-Star Mona Berlitz, who missed all of last season due to injury, provides a significant boost, while former OUA All-Star Amy Stinson adds experience to a roster navigating the departure of eight players.

“With a talented incoming group and the return of Mona Berlitz, we expect to be one of the top teams in the conference by the end of the year," says UBC head coach Dave Taylor. "Graduating eight players means we will take time to get used to new roles. Staying healthy and developing as a team will be the key to the year."

Just four points behind UBC in the poll, the UBCO Heat enter the season with plenty of optimism after earning a fifth consecutive Canada West playoff appearance. Four of their top five scorers return, including leading scorer Kanani Coon, who averaged 13 points per game in her first season with the program, and third-team All-Star Lily Pink. A veteran core and an encouraging preseason have the Heat eyeing a move up the standings.

Trinity Western rounds out the top five after hosting a playoff weekend last season. Fifth-year guards Cassidy Buchanan, a Canada West All-Star, and Myrlaine Shelvey are expected to lead the Spartans as they look to climb the conference rankings.

It's also a highly anticipated campaign for the Calgary Dinos, who will enter as defending Canada West champions for the first time since 2001. Calgary's magical run to last year's crown included a memorable upset of top ranked Saskatchewan in the semifinals, breaking a Huskies winning streak that had reached over 50 games. Calgary also earned a bronze medal at the U SPORTS Championship, setting a high bar for head coach Sarah Besselink’s group as it looks to build on a historic campaign.

The Canada West regular season tips off this Friday, with teams across the conference beginning their pursuit of the Valerie Girsberger Trophy. The regular season runs through Feb. 13, with playoffs beginning Feb. 19. The conference's Final Four will be played from Feb. 26-28.

The 2027 U SPORTS championships are headed to the east coast, to be contested at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, N.S. from March 11-14.

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2026-27 CW WBB PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL 

Team - Points (First-place votes)

Team by Team Previews

Alberta Pandas

Coaches Poll Rank: #1

Team Overview: Scott Edwards begins his 21st season behind the Pandas bench with 10 players back from a team that was picked second in last year’s Canada West preseason poll, finished 15-5 in the regular season and advanced as the No. 8 seed through the play-in round. Four fifth-years lead the veteran group: 2025 Canada West All-Star Annacy Palmer, Kiah Easton-Ihediohanma, Reece Hall and Wilfrid Laurier transfer Kate White. With a seasoned core and a deep guard group, the expectation is a return to the Canada West playoff mix.

From the coach: “An experienced roster that looks to rebound this season. This team will have to be committed to team defence and rebound well to compete with a deep Canada West league this season. We'll rely on a total group effort on the offensive end if we want to make a deep playoff run.” - Scott Edwards

Key Performer: Annacy Palmer
​Guard | 5th Year | Edmonton, Alta.

Annacy Palmer returns for her 5th and final year ready to lead the Pandas back court. With the loss of graduates Morgan Harris and Jayden Tanner, Palmer will be heavily leaned on to generate offence in the 2026/27 season.

Saskatchewan Huskies

Coaches Poll Rank: #2

Team Overview: Coming off back-to-back National championships, the 2026-27 edition of the Saskatchewan Huskies enter a new era of the program following the graduation of several starters and significant contributors to the recent success both within the conference and nationally. Maya Flindall, the lone returning starter from all three games in last year’s title run, and Logan Reider, the Player of the Game in the title-clinching contest, return as fifth-year players and the leaders of a young squad. The pair will look to provide a steadying presence to a roster featuring an exciting group of talented newcomers and several second and third-year athletes preparing to step into new roles within the program. Despite the substantial turnover, the Huskies remain firmly positioned to remain as challengers in an always competitive Canada West conference under the leadership and guidance of head coach Lisa Thomaidis, who gets set to enter her 28th season as head coach.

From the coach: “With the graduation of five fifth-year athletes last season, this year will be a new look for the Huskies. With the addition of ten new student-athletes, there will be a new and youthful era of Huskie basketball taking form. The team will lean heavily on the leadership and championship pedigree of Maya Flindall and Logan Reider, as the program looks to rebuild for the future.” - Lisa Thomaidis

Key Performer: Maya Flindall
​Guard | 5th Year | St. Albert, Alta.

A talented and reliable scorer, fifth-year forward and 2025-26 All-Star Maya Flindall returns to the court at the University of Saskatchewan as the lone starter from each game in last season's National Championship run. The St. Albert, Alta. product was the Huskies' second-leading scorer behind Player of the Year Gage Grassick and one of just six 300-point scorers in the conference a year ago. This season, she will look to return to that pace and fill in the gaps left by the three-time All-Canadian as one of the primary options in the offensive end.

UBC Thunderbirds

Coaches Poll Rank: #3

Team Overview: Turning over much of last year's Canada West Final runner-up roster, the T-Birds still boast a well-rounded lineup replete with both experience and young talent. In addition to UBC's recruit class, multiple Canada West All-Star forward Mona Berlitz is back after missing all of last season due to injury while the team is also bolstered by transfer Amy Stinson, a former OUA All-Star forward. A year after producing an 18-win season and a trip to the U SPORTS Final 8, this year's T-Birds squad may find last year's results tough to beat but will remain a considerable threat in the tough Canada West conference.

From the coach: “With a talented incoming group and the return of Mona Berlitz, we expect to be one of the top teams in the conference by the end of the year. Graduating eight players means we will take time to get used to new roles. Staying healthy and developing as a team will be the key to the year." - Dave Taylor

Key Performer: Mona Berlitz
​Forward | 4th Year | Schrobenhausen, Germany

Returning for her fourth season having missed all of 2025-26 due to injury, Mona Berlitz can once again be expected to be one of the conference's most impactful players. A multiple Canada West All-Star and an All-Canadian in her third season, Berlitz provides a dual threat with elite level shooting and strong defence, finishing fourth in conference scoring in 2024-25 while also leading the T-Birds in defensive rebounds.

UBCO Heat

Coaches Poll Rank: #4

Team Overview: A fifth consecutive Canada West playoff appearance and a veteran core bring plenty of optimism to the Okanagan. After finishing in the middle of the pack in scoring last season, the Heat are poised to make a bigger impact on the offensive end in 2026-27 with four of their five leading scorers returning. Lily Pink is coming off a campaign that saw her earn Canada West Third Team All-Star honours and will be joined by leading scorer Kanani Coon, who averaged 13.0 points per game last season. If the preseason is any indication, the Heat have the pieces in place to challenge the conference's best after sweeping a Calgary road trip that included victories over the defending conference champion Calgary Dinos and the Windsor Lancers, a team that spent multiple weeks ranked in the U SPORTS Top 10 last season.

From the coach: “We are excited about this season and feel good about where we are at as the season approaches. The keys for us are to continue to commit to our style of play, lean on our experience as we returned all but two players, and play with confidence." - Bobby Mitchell

Key Performer: Kanani Coon
​Guard | 4th Year | Kelowna, B.C.

Kanani Coon is a versatile guard who can score at all three levels while making an impact on the defensive end. After transferring from the University of California Santa Barbara Gauchos, an NCAA Division I program, ahead of the 2025-26 season, Coon made an immediate impact with the Heat, leading the team in scoring in her first year in Kelowna. With a season of Canada West experience under her belt, she is poised for a big 2026-27 campaign as the Heat set their sights on a deep playoff run.

Trinity Western Spartans

Coaches Poll Rank: #5

Team Overview: After a season in which they hosted a playoff weekend, the Spartans will look to build on that success with an experienced core returning. Fifth-year guards Cassidy Buchanan, a Canada West All-Star, and Myrlaine Shelvey are expected to lead the team on both ends of the floor, while Moriah Jansen, Blessing Ibekwe, and Mavleen Chahal are poised to take on bigger roles after another year in the highly competitive Canada West conference. The additions of Kiki Tupas-Singh and Julianna Reimer will add depth and let the Spartans play at a faster pace for longer stretches.

From the coach: “We are excited to build on what we were able to accomplish last season in hosting a play-off weekend. We have a strong returning core of senior guards in Cassidy Buchanan and Myrlaine Shelvey, who are prepared to carry a big part of our offensive and defensive game plan. With a year under their belt, we anticipate bigger contributions from Moriah Jansen, Blessing Ibekwe and Mavleen Chahal, knowing how tough it is to get wins in our Canada West conference. With the additions of Kiki Tupas-Singh and Julianna Reimer, we are prepared to play a little faster and a little longer so we'll see how that impacts our style of play." - Cheryl Jean-Paul

Key Performer: Cassidy Buchanan
​Guard | 5th Year | Aldergrove, B.C.

"Cassidy is our leader both on and off-court. She has improved on her ability to create offense since last year, and that step forward will support our team's growth as we see her lead a group of hungry teammates, high on accountability and focused on being the best version of ourselves every time we step on court." - Cheryl Jean-Paul

Calgary Dinos

Coaches Poll Rank: #6

Team Overview: After securing their first Canada West championship since 2001 and a bronze-medal finish at the U SPORTS Championship, the Dinos will be looking to further build from last year's success. Under the returning head coach Sarah Besselink, Calgary will aim to remain among the conference’s top contenders, leaning on its established defensive identity while continuing to develop a balanced offensive attack. With a mix of returning talent and new additions, the Dinos will face the challenge of maintaining their championship standards in a competitive Canada West conference.

From the coach: “We are looking to build off a historic season last year by continuing to raise the standards of our program. Our keys to success will include accelerating the growth of our returning core group of players, and developing our new contributors." - Sarah Besselink

Key Performer: Kourtney Oss
​Forward | 5th Year | Sherwood Park, Alta.

Coming off their Canada West championship-winning 2025–26 season, Kourtney Oss was a dominant presence for the Dinos on both ends of the floor, averaging 11.1 points and a team-high 10.0 rebounds per game across 27 appearances. She also led the team with 41 blocks while recording 59 assists and 54 steals, playing a key role in Calgary’s Canada West title and bronze-medal finish at the U SPORTS Championship.

Mount Royal Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #7

Team Overview: The Mount Royal Cougars women's basketball team enters the 2026-27 season looking to turn last year's 10-10 record into a deeper postseason run after falling to UFV in the play-in game. Led by fifth-year guard Asha Donnelly, who topped the Cougars with 9.6 points per game and 48 steals last season, Mount Royal will lean on its returning core to build consistency on both ends of the floor. With three new additions in Taylor Rae, Noa Prado and Hope Dunkley joining a roster that features a mix of veteran leadership and developing talent, the Cougars will look to climb the Prairie Division standings.

From the coach: “The Cougars are looking forward to a very competitive Canada West landscape. This year will certainly challenge this younger group after the big departure of Nora Luca, Mount Royal's first Canada West All-Star. It will be exciting to watch them grow and compete." - Robyn Fleckenstein

Key Performer: Temi Ajayi
​Forward | 3rd Year | Calgary, Alta.

Temi Ajayi provides the Cougars with a strong presence in the front court, bringing size, efficiency and versatility as she enters her third season with Mount Royal. The 6-foot Calgary native averaged 6.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game across 15 appearances last season while shooting an impressive 64.7 per cent from the field. Her ability to finish efficiently around the basket and contribute on the glass will be valuable as the Cougars look to take a step forward in Canada West this season.

Manitoba Bisons

Coaches Poll Rank: #8

Team Overview: Coming off a second consecutive season with an improved record, and equal or better in four straight, the Herd look to continue their ascent into the higher playoff seeds. The Bisons return 96% of last season's starts, along with adding experienced post-secondary transfers Faith LaRocque (Providence, MCAC+NIAC champion) and Izzi Fust (Regina, 2x20 game starter) joining their respective sisters. The amount of prior team connection experience between provincial, high school and club teams, as well as siblings, a breakout year could be in the cards.

From the coach: “Manitoba is entering the season focused on building cohesiveness with their experienced roster and take the next step in Canada West play. The Bisons will rely heavily on their defence to dictate the pace of games and be disruptive to opponents. Grounded in a team-first mentality, Manitoba is committed to competing and embracing the daily processes to reach their potential.” - Michele Sung

Key Performer: Anna Miko
​Forward | 4th Year | Winnipeg, Man.

After a great sophomore campaign, forward Anna Miko had another career year as a junior in 2025-26, with upticks in field goal percentage, assists, steals, rebounds, and if not for missing one game, likely points.

She tallied four double-doubles, with Manitoba going 3-1 in those contests, making a two-year total of nine doubles, with the Bisons being 7-2. With the additions to the team this season, the sky is the limit.

Regina Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #9

Team Overview: The Cougars will have a significantly different look in 2026-27 after losing six key contributors from last year's roster, including All-Canadians Jade Belmore and Cara Misskey. Lilly Vande Graaf and Eden Wells headline Regina's returning players, while Josie Valley, Sarah Valley, and Jordyn Neumann have rounded out the starting five for most of the preseason. Ella Plummer, Ryenn Schutz, and Alexyn Ward are among a number of Cougars also expected to provide significant contributions. Now in her second season as head coach, Michaela Kleisinger will look to guide a young Cougars squad as several players take on substantially expanded roles.

Key Performer: Lilly Vande Graaf
​Guard | 2nd Year | Winnipeg, Man.

Coming off a strong rookie season with the Cougars, Lilly Vande Graaf is poised to take on an even larger role in 2026-27. Vande Graaf averaged 7.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per game last season, but has moved into the starting lineup and has already shown her breakout potential with a 33-point performance in a non-conference win over Winnipeg earlier in October. A versatile scoring threat who connected on 12 three-pointers as a rookie, Vande Graaf figures to be a key contributor for Regina at both ends of the floor.

Victoria Vikes

Coaches Poll Rank: #10

Team Overview: The Vikes enter the 2026-27 season with one of Canada West's youngest rosters. With key inside pieces Abigail Becker and Mimi Sigue graduating from the program, Victoria will look to its young frontcourt to step into larger roles and replace that presence inside.

In the backcourt, Avery Geddes and Makena Anderson return as key scoring threats and will be counted on to lead the Vikes offensively. With another year of experience across a young core, Victoria will look to take a step forward and establish itself as a contender in the Pacific Division.

From the coach: “The Vikes are a young team who will look to revamp their style of play offensively and defensively after the graduation of two Canada West All-Star post players. Led by 2026 CW Rookie Avery Geddes and 2024 CW Rookie Makena Anderson, the team’s success will hinge on its ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting and establish a gritty, hard-nosed defensive identity." - Carrie Watts

Key Performer: Makena Anderson
​Forward | 4th Year | Victoria, B.C.

Anderson returns as a key piece of the Vikes' offence after averaging 12.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game last season. A consistent threat from the perimeter and on the glass, she will be counted on to provide scoring and leadership for a young Vikes roster in 2026-27.

Thompson Rivers WolfPack

Coaches Poll Rank: #11

Team Overview: After improving their conference record from 1-19 to 8-12 in the first full season of head coach Scott Clark and associate head coach Joe Davis, the WolfPack will be looking to continue that trend as they eye a return to the postseason for the first time since 2019-20. With every player that scored a point last season back again for the 'Pack they will be another year older and more experienced as they look to compete night in and night out in the Pacific Division. Last season TRU improved their defence from allowing 72 points per game to 59.

Key Performer: Morgan Eichenberger
​Forward | 3rd Year | Kamloops, B.C. ​

Kamloops product Morgan Eichenberger has gotten better and better in her first two seasons with the 'Pack and last year's leading scorer and rebounder is back again. A force to be reckoned with down low, Eichenberger is an impact player on both ends of the court.

UFV Cascades

Coaches Poll Rank: #12

Team Overview: A young Cascades squad will be hitting the court for UFV in the 2026-27 season. With the departure of senior stalwarts such as Julia Tuchscherer and Esther Allison, coach Al Tuchescherer will be looking towards seniors Fania Taylor and Bernie Leda to step into bigger roles, while Kalie Saari, Miah Schuurman, and Kyanna Knodel will also look to take a leap forward to help guide the team when play tips off on the 29th of October.

From the coach: “Young team primarily made up of first and second year student athletes. Success will be based on how fast we adapt to CW play." - Al Tuchscherer

Key Performer: Bernie Leda
​Guard | 5th Year | Vancouver, B.C.

Fifth-year point guard Bernie Leda leads the Cascades into a new season joined by a team full of youthful excitement. The skilled Leda will look to serve as a focal point for the Cascades on offence, serving as the team's prime distributor, while also providing important leadership for the young squad.

Brandon Bobcats

Coaches Poll Rank: #13

Team Overview: The Bobcats were an inspiring team to watch last season, earning a spot in the Canada West playoffs and building plenty of momentum along the way. The challenge now is carrying that momentum forward despite the departure of several key players from last year’s roster. Head coach Ilarion Bonhomme made sure his squad was well tested before the games started to count, putting together a busy pre-season that included a West Coast trip to take on the UBC Thunderbirds. The Bobcats also swept their three home tune-up contests, highlighted by strong individual performances from returnees Amaya McLeod and Jessie Sumner, along with Australian newcomer Josephine Odude.

From the coach: “Young group looking to develop throughout the season. Keys to success will be ball security and rebounding.” - Ilarion Bonhomme

Key Performer: Abbey Shand
​Guard | 3rd Year | Winnipeg, Man.

Abbey Shand will be counted on to take on a larger role following the departure of several key players from last year’s roster. She brings strong offensive instincts and has earned the respect of her teammates through her work ethic and passion for the game.

Winnipeg Wesmen

Coaches Poll Rank: #14

Team Overview: Just on the outside looking in on the playoff picture last season, the Wesmen return a veteran core and a high-quality recruiting class to complement it. Now Winnipeg will look to make the jump back into the playoffs with fifth-year guard Raia Guinto and fourth-years Jazmin Birch and Jennifer Kallon leading the way. Rookies Ella Castres, Eva Shaw, Emma Elliott and Emma Yard have already shown flashes in pre-season play and give the Wesmen depth in the push to rebuild into a contender. ​

From the coach: “We are continuing to develop into a veteran team, combining returning experience and leadership with the energy and potential of our incoming local rookies. Our keys to success this season will be building consistency through disciplined offence and physical team defence, and developing the chemistry needed to compete with confidence and toughness every game.” - Alyssa Cox

Key Performer: Jazmin Birch
​Forward | 4th Year | Winnipeg, Man.

A leader, or among them, in most statistical categories for the Wesmen a season ago, Birch provides the all-around skill set the Wesmen can lean on to improve on their win total from 2025-26. An athletic rim-runner, Birch improved her perimeter shooting last season to go along with the energy, tenacity and defensive toughness she already brought to the team.

Lethbridge Pronghorns

Coaches Poll Rank: #15

Team Overview: The Pronghorns enter the season looking to build on last year and take a step forward in a rebuilding year. With three new faces in the lineup, Lethbridge will lean on its quickness, push the pace and use its ability to make reads and capitalize on opportunities at both ends of the floor. A strong team culture will be central to the group’s growth as it continues to build chemistry and establish its identity.

From the coach: “After a lot of roster turnover last season, the Pronghorns roster will look to build off of the consistency of returning nine players from the past season. The team will be led by a core of veteran players, including Piper Dobbelsteyn and Courtney McKee, alongside an exciting group of young players, like Rae Wedman & Kadie Anderson, which will lead to an exciting brand of basketball." - Dave Waknuk

Key Performer: Piper Dobbelsteyn
​Guard | 5th Year | Edmonton, Alta.

Piper brings heart, experience and versatility to the Pronghorns in her fifth and final season. Her ability to knock down three-pointers and create offence makes her a valuable scoring threat, while her energy and competitive spirit provide a spark whenever she steps on the court.

MacEwan Griffins

Coaches Poll Rank: #16

Team Overview: This is the contention window the oft-young Griffins lineup has been working towards as they're expected to challenge for a playoff spot and more this season with a veteran battle-tested lineup. Top scorer Unity Obasuyi and top defender Samantha Hickey - who led the nation in blocks/game in 2025-26 - are both in their fourth seasons, while key leaders Toni Gordon and Allie Spenrath are in their fifth. Their recruiting class is small in numbers but large in size and scope as 6-foot-5 Samira Muon bolsters the inside and talented point guard Emma Stockinger came all the way from Austria to boost the outside.

From the coach: “We are looking forward to another exciting season in a very competitive Canada West conference. With an experienced core returning and a few key additions, we look to continue our growth as a team as we take on the challenges of a new season." - Katherine Adams

Key Performer: Unity Obasuyi
​Forward | 4th Year | Edmonton, Alta.

Although Obasuyi didn't receive a Canada West all-star nod - despite tying for third in scoring in the conference last season with 16.6 points/game - her impact with the Griffins is at a star level. The electric forward broke her own program record by accounting for 32.30% of the team's entire offence in 2025-26. After posting three 30+ point games last season and becoming just the second Griffins player to earn a Canada West women's basketball player of the week honour (Nov. 18, 2025), Obasuyi heads into her fourth campaign primed to challenge for the Canada West scoring title.

UNBC Timberwolves

Coaches Poll Rank: #17

Team Overview: The UNBC Timberwolves women's basketball team is ready to take a step forward. Sergey Shchepotkin's club is still very young on paper, but this summer coach Shchepotkin aggressively recruited players with speed, skill and shooting ability.

During the preseason it's been very obvious that this year's Timberwolves squad will battle for one another and will play an unselfish, fast, high-energy brand of basketball that will make them a tough out for any opponent on any given night.

From the coach: “We enter the 2026–27 season as a young team, with five first-year players and six second-year players. While our youth will present challenges as we navigate one of the most competitive conferences in the country, it also provides an exciting opportunity to build a strong foundation for the future of our program. Our focus this season is on establishing our identity and developing our players. We want to become a team that competes for 40 minutes, plays with confidence, and makes opponents work for everything. Our success will be measured not only by wins and losses, but by our growth, our consistency, and the standards we establish every day. This season is about building something - an identity, a culture, and a program that our players can be proud of." - Sergey Shchepotkin

Key Performer: Viktoriia Filatova
​Guard | 4th Year | Moscow, Russia

Over the course of her first three seasons at UNBC, Viktoriia Filatova has established herself as one of the most consistent scorers in program history. Through three seasons, Filatova has poured in 743 points which already places her sixth all-time in program history. The good news this season for Filatova is she should have more help on the offensive side of the ball, with everybody around her also being a year wiser and more experienced.