A Look into the 2025 Ivy League Women’s Basketball Preseason Poll
Heading into the new season, Princeton is favored to lead the Ivy League, while Penn holds the fourth spot. Last year’s season brought unexpected results and upsets in the Ancient Eight women’s basketball conference.
Although Princeton was the preseason favorite last year, the team did not win the regular season or the tournament title. Harvard made history by earning its first-ever March Madness appearance. Penn finished fourth, missing out as the Ivy League sent three teams to March Madness.
Princeton Tigers (21-8, 12-2 Ivy League)
Princeton ended its six-year streak without a regular-season title last season. Despite this, they remain the overwhelming preseason favorite in 2025, securing 17 of 21 first-place votes in the preseason poll. The team faced adversity when 2023 Ivy League Rookie of the Year Madison St. Rose suffered an ACL injury in November. However, younger players rose to the challenge. Guards Skye Belker and Fadima Tall are now expected to lead alongside Ashley Chea, the league’s sole returning unanimous first-team All-Ivy player.
Columbia Lions
Previously seen as Ivy League runners-up, Columbia had a breakthrough season, dominating the regular season and achieving their first March Madness win. Their strong performance makes them a team that cannot be overlooked this season.
“Preseason favorite Princeton did not capture the regular season or tournament title, and Harvard clinched its first March Madness berth in program history.”
“The Tigers remain the heavy preseason favorite, receiving 17 out of 21 first-place votes in this year’s preseason poll.”
Author’s summary: The 2025 Ivy League women’s basketball season promises fierce competition, with Princeton as the top favorite and returning key players shaping the race among the league’s strong contenders.