The Scout presents our first edition of Missouri Valley Conference women’s basketball power rankings for the season. Contributors Micah Gatewood and Cristina Solano ranked the 11 teams in the conference, and though the season has started, these rankings are primarily focused on offseason moves and preseason performances. It is important to note that power rankings are not the standings.
1. Belmont Bruins (0-1)
For the second time in four seasons, the Belmont Bruins have been selected to win the conference title. With their guard-heavy roster, there’s a lot of depth and knowledge between their returners and newcomers.
With their nine-year veteran coach, Bart Brooks, who has a record of 215-47 over the past 13 seasons, the Bruins are the team to watch this upcoming season.
2. Murray State Racers (1-0)
Murray State may not start at number one this season, but it remains a team no one wants to face. After claiming both the regular season and MVC tournament titles last year, the Racers return one of the league’s most dominant players in Katelyn Young, who has surpassed 3,000 career points, a milestone few MVC players have ever reached.
Their 83-62 championship win over Belmont proved just how explosive their offense can be when it’s clicking. The Racers set a new conference record with 86.8 points per game, powered by their fast-paced style and sharp shooting. Even though they start in the second spot, Murray State’s combination of experience and offensive firepower makes them a legitimate repeat title threat.
3. Drake Bulldogs (1-0)
The Bulldogs are fresh off a fourth-place finish and are looking to climb higher this year. Senior guard Abbie Aalsma leads the young team, averaging 9.7 points, and recently scored 22 in the season opener against Eastern Illinois.
The Bulldogs are a very poised defensive team but struggle on offense, averaging 17 turnovers last season. However, with the talent they have, and a strong core of veterans, the Bulldogs are an under-the-radar team that others should keep an eye on.
4. Illinois State Redbirds (1-0)
Illinois State landed within the top five-ranked teams last season for very good reason. The Redbirds ended the season with a record of 24-13 while going 9-1 when playing at home. Forwards Neveah Thomas and Addison Martin were voted the MVC’s players to watch. Martin was an All-MVC newcomer her first year and surpassed 1,000 points last season against Southern Illinois. Alongside Thomas averaging 12.1 points and seven rebounds, and the efficient scoring of the team as a whole, the Redbirds are a dangerous team to face.
5. Northern Iowa Panthers (0-1)
UNI is an under-the-radar but solid team. They have a relatively young team but elite upperclassmen who control the way with efficient scoring and IQ. Seniors Maya McDermott, who averaged 18.3 points and was named to the All-MVC first team last season, and Kayba Laube, named to the All-MVC third team, lead the way this upcoming season. If the Panthers can improve their field goal percentage and utilize their scorers, they will be in good shape to be a threat this season.
6. University of Illinois Chicago Flames (0-1)
UIC has shown steady improvement since joining the MVC and now finds itself pushing toward the middle of the standings. Senior guard Makiyah Williams provides leadership and scoring, averaging 11.2 points per game last season and earning a spot on the all-MVC third team.
Despite occasional struggles on defense, the Flames have proven they can hang with stronger teams. They pushed Illinois State deep into the fourth quarter in their February matchup. The Flames’ biggest challenge this season will be building consistency on both ends of the floor, but with growing experience and offensive potential, they could surprise a few of the top-tier programs.
7. Valparaiso Beacons (0-1)
Valparaiso has shown quiet but steady progress over the past two seasons. They are defensively tough and have a growing sense of chemistry under coach Mary Evans.
To move up in the standings, Valpo will need more scoring consistency from its backcourt and improvement in rebounding. They’re not yet a top-tier threat, but they have discipline and defensive focus to play spoiler against stronger teams in the MVC.
8. Bradley Braves (1-0)
Bradley continues to rebuild with promising young talent that’s beginning to find its rhythm. Their roster features several underclassmen who gained valuable minutes last season and are ready for bigger roles this season. While the Braves lacked offensive consistency last season, their young core shows flashes of potential in transition play and outside shooting.
The challenge this year will be closing out tight games, something that cost them multiple wins last season. If their recruits can provide scoring support and steady defense, Bradley could surprise teams and climb toward the middle of the standings.
9. Evansville Purple Aces (0-1)
Evansville is still deep in a rebuild but showing slow signs of progress. The Purple Aces have added height and athleticism to their lineup, helping them compete on the boards. Last season, they struggled offensively and fell short in several winnable games. However, their energy and determination remain their biggest strengths.
Head coach Robyn Scherr-Wells has emphasized development and toughness, giving younger players valuable court time. If the Aces can generate more scoring from the perimeter and improve ball control, they may finally begin climbing out of the bottom of the standings.
10. Indiana State Sycamores (0-1)
Indiana State has been working through growing pains, but is starting to show flashes of progress. Players like Savannah White have been key defensive anchors, ranking among MVC leaders in blocked shots. Four different Sycamores recorded double-digit blocks last season, showing an improved defensive presence in the paint.
Despite their 2-18 conference record in 2024-25, the Sycamores have begun to establish a stronger team identity centered on hustle and grit. If they can develop reliable scoring leaders and improve late-game execution, they could make a meaningful step forward this season.
11. Southern Illinois Salukis (1-0)
The Salukis aren’t conference contenders with their 4-26 record a year ago. However, they aim to make a change with their newcomers and reach a higher rank.
Graduate forward Indya Green, who averaged 12 points, and sophomore transfer guard Alayna Kraus, who received MVC all-tournament honors, are the players to watch for the MVC. If the Salukis want to see change, they need to focus on their field-goal and three-point percentage. If they improve on those two areas, they can see themselves higher in the ranks for the MVC.
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