AUGUSTA, Ga. - Ahead of the 2026-27 season, the Peach Belt Conference released their annual Preseason Coaches' Poll this afternoon where the Flagler College women's basketball team was selected to finish eighth. The Saints pulled in 35 points, one less than No. 7 Clayton State University and four ahead of No. 9 Georgia Southwestern University. 

Leading the poll was Augusta University who pulled in seven first place votes and 95 total points. University of North Georgia collected one first place vote and 86 points. 

Last season, the Saints finished with an 11-17 record. Showing flashes of potential, the Saints battled at the time No. 9 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to a four-point game on November 19. Within conference play, the Saints had their largest point differential in the 91-70 win over Georgia Southwestern University on December 10. 

The Saints returned all of their eligible players from last season. After finishing the season third in scoring, the Saints return rising junior Gabby Bush. Senior Aspen Weeks will look to capitalize on a successful junior campaign that saw her start 23 games and finish top five in field goal percentage and second in three-point percentage. 

Bolstering the roster, the Saints added seven new players including four transfers. Staying local, Nicki Carreno transfers to Flagler from the University of North Florida. Carreno saw immediate action as a freshman and sophomore where she played 49 games combined. Sophomore Khalia Woodley made the switch from Palm Beach Atlantic University where she made 20 appearances for the Sailfish. Hailing from the northeast, sophomore transfer Hanna Lynch comes to the ancient city from Saint Anselm College. Lynch appeared in 16 games while starting three. 

Flagler kicks off their season with an away match against Southern Wesleyan University on Nov. 9. The Saints will host Augusta University on Wednesday, December 2 for their conference opener. 

2026-27 Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll 

1. Augusta (7) 

2. North Georgia (1) 

3. Columbus State (2) 

4. USC Beaufort (1) 

5. Middle Georgia 

6. Georgia College 

7. Clayton State 

8. Flagler 

9. Georgia Southwestern 

10. Lander 

11. USC Aiken