Saint Francis Women to Open Season on October 27
The Cougars host Olivet Nazarene in Fort Wayne to kick off their 2026 campaign.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Women’s Issues
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The Saint Francis women's basketball team will begin its 2026 season on October 27 at the Hutzell Athletic Center. The Cougars enter the matchup as the preseason favorite in the Crossroads League following a successful run in the 2025 season.
Why it matters
The team enters the year with high expectations after finishing the previous season with a 30-5 overall record and reaching the Elite Eight. The roster is bolstered by several players earning preseason conference honors as the squad aims for another deep postseason run.
The team finished the 2025 season with a 30-5 overall record and a 15-3 conference standing. Cali Gregory returns after averaging 16 points per game during the previous season.
The players
Saint Francis women's basketball
This collegiate team based in Fort Wayne competes in the Crossroads League and is currently ranked ninth nationally.
Jeremy Henney
He is entering his fifth year serving as the head coach for the Saint Francis women's basketball program.
Cali Gregory
A key player for the team, she was named to the Crossroads League preseason first-team after averaging 16 points per game last season.
Taylor Fordyce
She is a top-tier athlete for the team who led the league in three-point shooting percentage during the 2025 season.
The details
The season opener against Olivet Nazarene will take place in Fort Wayne at 8 p.m. Head coach Jeremy Henney is entering his fifth year leading the program, with Taylor Fordyce and Cali Gregory named to the first-team preseason roster.
Timeline
The 2025 season concluded with a 30-5 overall record.
The preseason coaches' national poll was released on October 21, 2026.
The season opens on October 27, 2026, at 8 p.m.
Culture Shift
The team's current momentum follows a pattern set by their 2025 Elite Eight appearance. This performance has elevated the program's profile within the Crossroads League as they move into the new season.
Fans in Fort Wayne can attend the home opener at the Hutzell Athletic Center to see the team's new roster in action. The game is scheduled for an 8 p.m. tipoff.
The takeaway
The team aims to build upon their successful 30-5 record from last year as they enter the 2026 season. Observers will be looking to see if preseason favorites Cali Gregory and Taylor Fordyce can lead the squad to another deep tournament run.
Further reading
Find more updates on local athletics in the Fort Wayne Women’s Issues section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 21alivenews.
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