A look into the 2025 Ivy League Women’s Basketball Preseason Poll
As the new season approaches, Princeton holds the top spot in the preseason poll, with Penn positioned fourth. Last year brought many surprises and upsets in the women’s basketball Ancient Eight.
Despite being preseason favorites, Princeton did not secure either the regular season or tournament championship. Harvard made history by clinching its first-ever March Madness berth. Penn, finishing fourth in the conference, was the only team left out when three Ivy League teams advanced to March Madness.
Princeton: Preseason Favorite
Princeton ended last season with a 21-8 overall record and 12-2 in the Ivy League, breaking a six-year streak of regular-season titles. They remain the heavy favorite for this year, earning 17 of 21 first-place votes in the preseason poll.
The team faced adversity when 2023 Ivy League Rookie of the Year Madison St. Rose suffered an ACL tear last November, but the underclassmen rose to the challenge. Guards Skye Belker and Fadima Tall are now expected to lead the team, joined by Ashley Chea, who is the league's sole returning unanimous first-team All-Ivy selection.
Columbia’s Rising Presence
Columbia had long been the Ivy League’s consistent runner-up. However, after a strong regular season and securing their first-ever March Madness win last year, the Lions have proven they cannot be overlooked this season.
"Until last season, Columbia was the Ivy League’s perpetual runner-up. However, after a dominant regular season run and a first-ever program victory in March Madness play, the Lions cannot be underestimated."
Author’s summary: Despite last season’s surprises, Princeton remains a dominant preseason favorite, while Columbia emerges as a serious contender following historic achievements.