A look into the 2025 Ivy League women’s basketball preseason poll

Heading into the 2025 season, Princeton holds the top spot in the Ivy League preseason poll, while Penn is positioned fourth. Last year brought surprises and upsets in the women’s basketball Ancient Eight.

Despite being preseason favorites, Princeton did not secure the regular season or tournament titles. Meanwhile, Harvard achieved a historic milestone by earning its first-ever berth in March Madness. Penn finished fourth in the conference and was the only Ivy League team not to qualify for March Madness after the league sent three teams.

Princeton (21-8, 12-2 Ivy League)

Princeton’s six-year streak of regular-season titles ended last year, but the Tigers remain the strong favorite this season, capturing 17 of 21 first-place votes in the preseason poll. The team dealt with the loss of 2023 Ivy League Rookie of the Year Madison St. Rose to an ACL injury last November, shaking their stability. However, underclassmen rose to the occasion. Guards Skye Belker and Fadima Tall are poised to lead the team alongside Ashley Chea, the league’s only returning unanimous first-team All-Ivy selection.

Columbia’s rise

Once a perennial runner-up in the Ivy League, Columbia made a breakthrough with a dominant regular season and its first-ever March Madness win. The Lions have earned respect as strong contenders this year.

"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: The 2025 Ivy League women’s basketball preseason poll highlights Princeton’s favored status, Penn’s fourth-place standing, and Columbia's rise as a strong contender after last season’s breakthrough.

The Daily Pennsylvanian — 2025-11-06