PC women’s basketball picked 7th in 2026-2027 Big East preseason poll

NEW YORK, N.Y. — The Big East women’s basketball preseason coaches’ poll has Providence projected to finish seventh in the conference for the 2026-27 season.

The Friars finished seventh in the conference last season and posted a 15-18 overall record. They went 7-13 in Big East play before losing to Villanova in the conference tournament quarterfinals.

Returning guard Orlagh Gormley was named to the preseason All-Big East honorable mention team.

Gormley was one of Providence’s top players last season. She averaged 8.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game while leading the team with 126 assists.

She started 31 of her 32 games after dealing with injuries during the 2024-25 season.

Providence is entering its fourth season under head coach Erin Batth. The Friars are looking to post their first winning season since 1991-92, when the program made its fifth NCAA Tournament appearance under longtime coach Bob Foley.

UConn was picked to finish first in the conference and received 10 first-place votes. Villanova was picked second, followed by Creighton in third.

St. John’s, Seton Hall and Marquette rounded out the teams ahead of Providence.

The Friars return several players from last season, including Payton Dunbar, Ashley Dinges, Sophi Hall and Princess Moody.

Providence also added four players through the transfer portal. The newcomers are Kylah Silver from UNC-Wilmington, J’Adore Young from Ole Miss, Taylor Barner from East Carolina and Daviane Mindoudi from Florida.

Providence used a deep rotation last season, with nine players averaging at least 10 minutes per game. The Friars could take a similar approach this season.

Before the season begins, Providence will host its annual Late Night Madness event Saturday at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Former American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson is scheduled to be the featured entertainer.

The Friars will play Southern New Hampshire in an exhibition game on October 29 at Alumni Hall. Their regular season opens November 3 against Stonehill.