Exciting News: University of Richmond Athletics Grabs No. 19 Spot in ESPN Preseason Top 25!

RICHMOND, Va. – The University of Richmond women’s basketball team is making waves as they’ve been ranked No. 19 in ESPN’s preseason Top 25 for the upcoming 2025-26 season. This list, curated by ESPN analyst Charlie Creme, highlights the top college programs ahead of the official polls from the Associated Press and USA Today/WBCA Coaches.

The Spiders are fresh off an impressive season that saw them go 28-7. They clinched the 2024 Atlantic 10 championship and secured back-to-back A-10 regular-season titles. Last season, they also achieved their first NCAA tournament victory. Excitingly, Richmond will welcome back standout seniors like Maggie Doogan and Rachel Ullstrom. A notable addition is All-Conference transfer Tierra Simon from Saint Louis, a critical factor in their strong preseason outlook.

Interestingly, Richmond stands out as the only mid-major program in the ESPN preseason rankings and is the sole representative from the Atlantic 10. Their 2025-26 schedule includes two nonconference games against ranked opponents, such as No. 4 Texas and No. 21 TCU. These matchups are expected to be thrilling tests for the team.

The Spiders will kick off their season on November 4 against Mount St. Mary’s at the Robins Center, starting at 6 p.m. It’s a great time for fans to engage with the season ahead.

For more details on the rankings, you can check out the full list of ESPN’s preseason rankings here.

This recognition not only showcases the talent on the team but also reflects the growing competition in women’s college basketball. A report by the NCAA noted that women’s basketball viewership has increased significantly, with a 20% rise in engagement during the 2022-2023 season. This surge highlights the excitement and potential surrounding programs like Richmond.

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