WHEELING, W.Va. — With 11 new players joining the roster and a strong core of returners, the Davis & Elkins College women's basketball team is preparing for a fresh start in the 2025-26 campaign. The Mountain East Conference announced its preseason poll Tuesday at WesBanco Arena, with the Senators picked 11th by the league's coaches.
In her fourth season leading the Senators, Head Coach Donna Carr is confident the program is moving in the right direction.
"We've got some big steps to make and we're attacking the challenge head on," Carr said. "We're confident in the progress we've made and we're coming to compete every time we step on the court."
The Senators return key contributors from last season, including Jahniya Marion, Deylana Forrest, Madison Mims, Jaela Reid, Briyanna Sapp, Tanisha Seymour, Koi Shabazz, and Ruby Smith. Marion, a sophomore guard, is the team's top returning scorer after averaging 9.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game a year ago.
Joining the veterans is a large incoming class of 11 new players, including one transfer, adding depth and competition across the lineup.
Fairmont State was selected as the preseason favorite after sweeping the regular season and tournament titles last year, finishing 27-5 overall. West Virginia Wesleyan, Glenville State, and Charleston also received first-place votes in the poll.
Davis & Elkins opens the 2025-26 season on Saturday, Nov. 15, in Erie, Pennsylvania, taking on Gannon University in the Atlantic Region Challenge at the Highmark Events Center.
MEC Women's Basketball Preseason Poll
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Fairmont State (7) – 94
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West Virginia Wesleyan (1) – 79
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Glenville State (1) – 78
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Charleston (2) – 77
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Concord – 60
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Frostburg State – 56
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West Virginia State – 48
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West Liberty – 39
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Wheeling – 39
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Point Park – 25
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Davis & Elkins – 10
