Women’s Basketball Makes Top 10 in Both Preseason National Polls

The Hope College women's basketball team tips off the 2026-27 season ranked in the Top 10 in both national polls.

The Flying Dutch finished fourth in the D3hoops.com preseason poll and ninth in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association preseason rankings.

Led by head coach Brian Morehouse, the Flying Dutch aim to build on their 19th MIAA Tournament title in program history and an NCAA Division III Championships run to the Sweet 16.

Defending national champion Denison University topped both polls.

Hope returns several key contributors, including two D3hoops All-Region and All-MIAA First Team selections: junior guard/forward Maddie Petroelje (Hudsonville, Michigan / Hudsonville) and junior guard Anna Richards (DeWitt, Michigan / Lansing Catholic).

Anna's twin sister, junior forward/center Leah Richards (DeWitt, Michigan / Lansing Catholic) rounds out Hope's returning all-conference group after earning Second Team All-MIAA honors.

The Flying Dutch tip off the season on Friday-Saturday, Nov. 6-7, with the four-team Michele Schoon Tournament at DeVos Fieldhouse.

Season and single-game tickets are on sale through the Hope College Ticket Office, 100 East 8th St., in person, online or by phone at (616) 395-7890.

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Players Mentioned

#34 Maddie Petroelje: G/F; 6' 1"; Junior; Communication

#10 Anna Richards: G; 6' 0"; Junior; Business

#20 Leah Richards: F/C; 6' 2"; Junior; Business

Players Mentioned

#34 Maddie Petroelje
: 6' 1"; Junior; Communication
: G/F

#10 Anna Richards
: 6' 0"; Junior; Business
: G

#20 Leah Richards
: 6' 2"; Junior; Business
: F/C

Players Mentioned

#34 Maddie Petroelje

#10 Anna Richards

#20 Leah Richards

Players Mentioned

#34 Maddie Petroelje

#10 Anna Richards

#20 Leah Richards