BOSTON – After taking home its second conference title in the past three seasons, Vermont was picked first in the 2025-26 America East Women’s Basketball Preseason Poll, as announced by the league on Monday afternoon.
Vermont earned seven first place votes and had 63 total points, in search of a title defense. The Catamounts went 21-13 last season and 13-3 in conference play as they captured their second championship in the past three seasons. They outscored opponents by 15+ points per game in conference play last year and bring back three of their top four scorers this season. Returners Catherine Gilwee and Nikola Priede were both named Preseason All-Conference.
Maine was picked second, taking two first place votes and 55 total points. Last year the Black Bears went 15-16 and 9-7 in league play, tying for third. This year they bring back 2022-23 Player of the year Adrianna Smith, who missed last season due to injury. Bryant took third with 46 points after going 17-15 overall, 9-7 in conference play last season and advancing to the conference semifinals for the first time.
Defending regular season champion UAlbany was picked fourth with 42 points, while NJIT was selected fifth with 37 points. Binghamton rounded out the top six with 26, while New Hampshire (24) and UMBC (23) were close behind.
2025-26 Preseason Poll
| 1. Vermont |
63 (7) |
| 2. Maine |
55 (2) |
| 3. Bryant |
46 |
| 4. UAlbany |
42 |
| 5. NJIT |
37 |
| 6. Binghamton |
26 |
| 7. New Hampshire |
24 |
| 8. UMBC |
23 |
| 9. UMass Lowell |
8 |
This year’s Preseason All-Conference Team features six players who have previously earned all-conference honors and three who have been named first-team all-conference.
Eva DeChent, New Hampshire – Jr., Guard, Westchester, N.Y.
- Led the league in scoring at 17.8 points per game with 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game while making 136 free throws.
- Named First-Team All-Conference and was selected as the 2024-25 Newcomer of the Year.
- Had 10 games scoring 20+ points while leading UNH back to the playoffs.
Catherine Gilwee, Vermont – R-Sr., Guard, Shelburne, Vt.
- Averaged 8.1 points, 3.8 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game in leading Vermont to the conference championship.
- Earned Second-Team All-Conference honors in 2024-25.
- Helped Vermont ranked fourth nationally in scoring defense (52.9).
Mia Mancini, Bryant – Jr., Guard, Mansfield, Mass.
- Averaged 10.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game while helping Bryant finish third in the league.
- Secured Second-Team All-Conference honors in 2024-25 after being named Third-Team in 2023-24.
- Recorded seven 20+ point games for the Bulldogs.
Nikola Priede, Vermont – Sr., Center, Riga, Latvia
- Averaged 9.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.1 blocks per game last season.
- Named Most Outstanding Player of 2025 conference championship after putting up 20 points and nine rebounds against UAlbany.
- Named Second-Team All-Conference in 2024-25 after averaging 11.8 points and 4.9 rebounds in conference play.
Adrianna Smith, Maine – R-Sr., Forward, Reston, Va.
- Missed 2024-25 due to injury, but averaged 16.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game in 2023-24.
- Named 2022-23 Player of the Year and is a two-time First-Team All-Conference selection.
- Ranked in the top two in the league in scoring, rebounding and assists in 2023-24 while leading Maine to the conference title.
Alejandra Zuniga, NJIT – Sr., Guard, Madrid, Spain
- Ranked third in the league in scoring (16.0) while averaging 2.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game last year.
- Earned First-Team All-Conference honors in 2024-25 and has was also named All-Conference as a sophomore and freshman.
- Recorded 20+ points in 13 games last season
The #AEHoops regular season begins on November 3 with six women’s programs competing on opening night, highlighted by Bryant hosting CCSU and NJIT playing at Sacred Heart. All home games for America East schools will be on AE on ESPN domestically and then AmericaEast.tv for international viewers.
Conference action kicks off on Thursday, Jan. 1 with a full slate of women’s basketball action, including defending champion Vermont traveling to play UAlbany in a championship rematch. Teams will via for home advantage in the 2026 #AEPlayoffs, where once again all games will be played at the higher seed.
The women wrap up their regular season on Saturday, Feb. 28, with #AEPlayoffs Quarterfinal action set for Thursday, March 5. The Semifinals will take place on Monday, March 9, with the #AEPlayoffs Championship set for Friday, March 13 at 5 p.m. at the highest remaining seed.
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