Hope International Takes Top Billing in 2026–27 GSAC Women's Basketball Poll

10/14/2026 1:00:00 PM

2026–27 WOMEN’S BASKETBALLGSAC PRESEASON PREVIEW

Nine teams. One championship.

Defending champion Hope International leads the preseason poll as the GSAC returns to a six-team conference tournament.

9 Programs18 Players to WatchOct. 22 Opening Day
2026–27 Season Preview

A new chapter in the GSAC race

Hope International enters the 2026–27 GSAC women’s basketball season as the preseason favorite after sweeping the league’s regular-season and tournament championships last year. The Royals went 15–1 in conference play and defeated Arizona Christian, 68–66, in the GSAC championship game.

Hope International received six first-place votes and 62 points in the preseason coaches poll. The Master’s earned two first-place votes and 56 points to finish second, followed by Arizona Christian with 49 points and the remaining first-place vote. Benedictine Mesa placed fourth (40), Embry-Riddle fifth (32), OUAZ sixth (31), Park Gilbert seventh (25), Life Pacific eighth (19) and La Sierra ninth (10).

The Royals were the GSAC’s representative in the 2026 NAIA National Championship, falling to Lewis-Clark State, 74–65, in the opening round. The Master’s finished second in the regular season at 14–2, while Arizona Christian advanced to the conference tournament final after defeating the Mustangs in the semifinals.

Several decorated players return. Hope International brings back Amira Austin, the 2026 GSAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year and an All-GSAC selection, and All-GSAC guard Nicole Chuang. Austin averaged 13.7 points and 10.4 rebounds with 13 double-doubles, while Chuang averaged 13.6 points and made 74 three-pointers. The Master’s returns All-GSAC guard Chloe Auble and Co-Defensive Player of the Year Alli VanKooten, who averaged 13.8 points and 11.9 rebounds.

Benedictine Mesa welcomes back 2026 GSAC Newcomer of the Year Alannah Northam and All-GSAC guard Olivia Arvallo. Embry-Riddle returns Co-Freshman of the Year Makenzie Alapai, while Arizona Christian adds former Life Pacific All-GSAC selection Ysabel Puente. These experienced players join a conference with several new transfers and returning contributors expected to shape the standings.

The GSAC returns to a six-team conference tournament in 2026–27, with the highest seeds hosting each round. First-round games are scheduled for February 23, followed by semifinals on February 26 and the championship on March 1. All GSAC women’s basketball games will be available on Overnght, the conference streaming partner. Watch on Overnght ›

Conference Outlook

Preseason Coaches' Poll

2026–27 GSAC Women’s Basketball
RK TEAM PTS
1 Hope InternationalHope International (6) 62
2 The Master'sThe Master's (2) 56
3 Arizona ChristianArizona Christian (1) 49
4 Benedictine MesaBenedictine Mesa 40
5 Embry-RiddleEmbry-Riddle 32
6 OUAZOUAZ 31
7 Park GilbertPark Gilbert 25
8 Life PacificLife Pacific 19
9 La SierraLa Sierra 10
First-place votes in parentheses.
2026 GSAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year
Amira AustinHope International · 13.7 PPG · 10.4 RPG
2026 GSAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year
Alli VanKootenThe Master’s · 13.8 PPG · 11.9 RPG
2026 GSAC Newcomer of the Year
Alannah NorthamBenedictine Mesa · 11.5 PPG · 6.5 RPG
18 Student-Athletes

Players to Watch

Two nominations from each program, listed alphabetically by institution. Players to Watch are program nominations, not preseason All-GSAC selections.

Arizona Christian
Ysabel Puente
Ysabel PuenteJR • G

2026 All-GSAC selection at Life Pacific before transferring to Arizona Christian.

Valeria Brewer
Valeria BrewerGR • G

Averaged more than 20 points per game during an abbreviated senior season at Westcliff.

Benedictine Mesa
Alannah Northam
Alannah NorthamSR • G

2026 GSAC Newcomer of the Year; averaged 11.5 points and 6.5 rebounds.

Olivia Arvallo
Olivia ArvalloSR • G

Returning 2026 All-GSAC selection who averaged 14.7 points per game.

Embry-Riddle
Makenzie Alapai
Makenzie AlapaiSO • G

2026 GSAC Co-Freshman of the Year; averaged 8.3 points and 4.5 rebounds.

Morgan Evenson
Morgan EvensonJR • G

Averaged 5.8 points and shot 42% from three while making 21 triples.

Hope International
Amira Austin
Amira AustinGR • F

2026 All-GSAC and Co-Defensive Player of the Year; 13.7 points, 10.4 rebounds and 13 double-doubles.

Nicole Chuang
Nicole ChuangSR • G

2026 All-GSAC; 13.6 points per game and 74 made three-pointers, second-most in the GSAC.

La Sierra
Yasmine Garrett
Yasmine GarrettSR • G

Averaged 10.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

Hasanah Gilchrist
Hasanah GilchristJR • G/F

Averaged 15.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

Life Pacific
Ebony Cooper
Ebony CooperGR • F/C

Averaged 11.1 points and 5.2 rebounds; a veteran post who can stretch the floor.

Kailey New
Kailey NewSO • F

Averaged 6.7 points and 5.1 rebounds as a freshman.

OUAZ
Kaylona Butler
Kaylona ButlerSR • G

Averaged 20.0 points and 4.9 rebounds; WHAC Newcomer of the Year and First Team All-WHAC.

Madi Symons
Madi SymonsSR • G/F

Wyoming transfer with 93 NCAA Division I appearances and 12 starts last season.

Park Gilbert
Ellie Robertson
Ellie RobertsonJR • G

Previously averaged 11.6 points and 3.3 rebounds in conference play as a freshman.

Brooke Vargas
Brooke VargasFR • G

Incoming guard with scoring ability and leadership who is expected to contribute immediately.

The Master's
Chloe Auble
Chloe AubleSR • G

Returning 2026 All-GSAC selection; averaged 15.6 points and shot 83% at the line.

Alli VanKooten
Alli VanKootenGR • C

2026 All-GSAC and Co-Defensive Player of the Year; 13.8 points and 11.9 rebounds.

Nine Programs

Team-by-Team Preview

Listed alphabetically by institution; preseason ranking is shown on each team card. Preseason information and player statistics were submitted by the programs.

3

Arizona Christian

Preseason Rank: #3 • 49 Points • 1 First-Place Vote
2025–26: 13–17 overallGSAC: 10–6Returning: 10+Lost: 8Starters Back: 1

After finishing as GSAC Tournament runner-up, Arizona Christian faces a significant roster transition with four starters departing, including 2026 Player of the Year Emily Till and All-GSAC selection Taylor Schwab. The Firestorm return five experienced reserves and have added five transfers and two redshirts. Speed, quickness and athleticism will shape a group determined to return to the championship game.

Players to Watch: Ysabel Puente (JR • G) — 2026 All-GSAC selection at Life Pacific before transferring to Arizona Christian. Valeria Brewer (GR • G) — Averaged more than 20 points per game during an abbreviated senior season at Westcliff.

4

Benedictine Mesa

Preseason Rank: #4 • 40 Points
2025–26: 14–10 overallGSAC: 9–7Returning: 5Lost: 5Starters Back: 3

Benedictine Mesa brings back an experienced backcourt featuring two conference award winners in Alannah Northam and Olivia Arvallo. Five players and three starters return, although one starter will miss the season due to injury. The Redhawks have supplemented the roster with perimeter transfers and will lean on defense, depth and positional versatility in pursuit of a strong postseason run.

Players to Watch: Alannah Northam (SR • G) — 2026 GSAC Newcomer of the Year; averaged 11.5 points and 6.5 rebounds. Olivia Arvallo (SR • G) — Returning 2026 All-GSAC selection who averaged 14.7 points per game.

5

Embry-Riddle

Preseason Rank: #5 • 32 Points
2025–26: 9–17 overallGSAC: 6–10Returning: 9Lost: 3Starters Back: 2

Nine Eagles return, eight of whom averaged double-digit minutes last season. Embry-Riddle lost 11 games by single digits in 2025–26 and believes experience and balanced scoring can help turn close contests into wins. Co-Freshman of the Year Makenzie Alapai leads the returners as the Eagles target a top-six conference finish and a postseason berth.

Players to Watch: Makenzie Alapai (SO • G) — 2026 GSAC Co-Freshman of the Year; averaged 8.3 points and 4.5 rebounds. Morgan Evenson (JR • G) — Averaged 5.8 points and shot 42% from three while making 21 triples.

1

Hope International

Preseason Rank: #1 • 62 Points • 6 First-Place Votes
2025–26: 23–5 overallGSAC: 15–1Returning: 9Lost: 8Starters Back: 3

The defending regular-season and tournament champions return nine letterwinners and three starters from a 23-win team. Reigning Co-Defensive Player of the Year Amira Austin and All-GSAC guard Nicole Chuang headline a core that also includes point guard Dre Javier. Faith Brinkman returns from an injury-shortened season, while NCAA transfers Tamaria Rumph and N’Dya Parks add depth. The Royals are pursuing a repeat sweep of the GSAC titles and another NAIA Championship appearance.

Players to Watch: Amira Austin (GR • F) — 2026 All-GSAC and Co-Defensive Player of the Year; 13.7 points, 10.4 rebounds and 13 double-doubles. Nicole Chuang (SR • G) — 2026 All-GSAC; 13.6 points per game and 74 made three-pointers, second-most in the GSAC.

9

La Sierra

Preseason Rank: #9 • 10 Points
2025–26: 6–18 overallGSAC: 3–13Returning: 5Lost: 10+Starters Back: 1

Entering its second GSAC season, La Sierra is rebuilding its rotation after losing more than 10 players. Five returners will take on greater leadership responsibilities as new talent joins the program. The Golden Eagles aim to use improved athleticism, depth and defensive pressure to establish consistency, compete for a six-team tournament berth and build momentum throughout the year.

Players to Watch: Yasmine Garrett (SR • G) — Averaged 10.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. Hasanah Gilchrist (JR • G/F) — Averaged 15.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

8

Life Pacific

Preseason Rank: #8 • 19 Points
2025–26: 11–16 overallGSAC: 3–13Returning: 8Lost: 7Starters Back: 3

Life Pacific enters the season looking to build on a school-record 12-win campaign. Eight players and three starters return, joined by six newcomers. Veteran post Ebony Cooper and sophomore Kailey New anchor a group focused on toughness, togetherness and growth. The Warriors must replace All-GSAC performer Ysabel Puente, who transferred to Arizona Christian.

Players to Watch: Ebony Cooper (GR • F/C) — Averaged 11.1 points and 5.2 rebounds; a veteran post who can stretch the floor. Kailey New (SO • F) — Averaged 6.7 points and 5.1 rebounds as a freshman.

6

OUAZ

Preseason Rank: #6 • 31 Points
2025–26: 14–12 overallGSAC: 7–9Returning: 9Lost: 6Starters Back: 2

OUAZ brings back nine players with collegiate experience and adds a freshman class alongside proven transfers. Kaylona Butler arrives after averaging 20 points per game, while Wyoming transfer Madi Symons brings NCAA Division I experience. The Spirit expect size, rebounding and team defense to be strengths as they pursue a first GSAC title and NAIA Championship berth.

Players to Watch: Kaylona Butler (SR • G) — Averaged 20.0 points and 4.9 rebounds; WHAC Newcomer of the Year and First Team All-WHAC. Madi Symons (SR • G/F) — Wyoming transfer with 93 NCAA Division I appearances and 12 starts last season.

7

Park Gilbert

Preseason Rank: #7 • 25 Points
2025–26: 10–15 overallGSAC: 5–11Returning: 7Lost: 6Starters Back: 2

Park Gilbert enters with its deepest roster under the current staff and a group entirely recruited by that staff. The Buccaneers have added shooting, rebounding and veteran leadership while emphasizing conditioning and pace. Seven returners and two starters are back, with transfers and freshmen expected to help the team compete for a GSAC Tournament berth.

Players to Watch: Ellie Robertson (JR • G) — Previously averaged 11.6 points and 3.3 rebounds in conference play as a freshman. Brooke Vargas (FR • G) — Incoming guard with scoring ability and leadership who is expected to contribute immediately.

2

The Master's

Preseason Rank: #2 • 56 Points • 2 First-Place Votes
2025–26: 18–8 overallGSAC: 14–2Returning: 10+Lost: 0Starters Back: 5

The Master’s returns all five starters and more than 10 players after finishing second in the conference at 14–2. The veteran core enters its third year together, led by All-GSAC guard Chloe Auble and Co-Defensive Player of the Year Alli VanKooten. With no departures reported, the Mustangs will rely on continuity, leadership and familiarity with their system as they challenge for the conference championship.

Players to Watch: Chloe Auble (SR • G) — Returning 2026 All-GSAC selection; averaged 15.6 points and shot 83% at the line. Alli VanKooten (GR • C) — 2026 All-GSAC and Co-Defensive Player of the Year; 13.8 points and 11.9 rebounds.

Mark Your Calendar

The road to Sioux City

OCT 22, 2026Opening Day
NOV 19, 2026First GSAC Game
FEB 20, 2027Regular Season Ends
FEB 23, 2027GSAC First Round · Highest seeds host
FEB 26, 2027GSAC Semifinals · Highest seeds host
MAR 1, 2027GSAC Championship · Highest seed hosts
MAR 12–13, 2027NAIA First & Second Rounds
MAR 18–23, 2027NAIA Final Site · Tyson Events Center, Sioux City, Iowa

Every game. One destination.

Follow GSAC women’s basketball throughout the season on Overnght.

Watch on Overnght