A Look into the 2025 Ivy League Women’s Basketball Preseason Poll
Princeton leads the preseason poll, with Penn placed fourth, as the Ivy League women's basketball season approaches. The Ancient Eight saw a season full of surprises and upsets last year.
Despite being the preseason favorite, Princeton fell short of winning both the regular season and tournament titles. Harvard, meanwhile, made history by earning its first-ever March Madness appearance. Penn finished fourth in the conference, missing out as the only Ivy League team not invited to March Madness after three teams qualified.
Team Standings Heading into the 2025 Season
Princeton (21-8, 12-2 Ivy League)
Princeton’s six-year streak as regular-season champions ended last year. Still, they remain the dominant preseason favorite, receiving 17 of 21 first-place votes in the poll.
The team faced challenges after losing 2023 Ivy League Rookie of the Year Madison St. Rose to an ACL injury last November but saw strong contributions from its younger players. Guards Skye Belker and Fadima Tall are expected to lead the team alongside Ashley Chea, who is the league’s only returning unanimous first-team All-Ivy selection.
Columbia
Columbia, once the consistent runner-up in the Ivy League, enjoyed a breakthrough regular season and secured its first-ever March Madness win. The Lions are now a team to watch and should not be underestimated this season.
“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 season begins with Princeton favored, but last year’s surprises show the league is wide open for new contenders.