2025-26 Winter Preview | Division II Women's Basketball
The ICCAC Division II women's basketball season tips off with renewed excitement and high expectations across the board. From national powerhouses to rising programs, the league is as deep as ever — with Kirkwood, DMACC, and Iowa Western leading a competitive field that features both proven contenders and developing teams ready to make their mark.
At the top, Kirkwood once again enters the season as the favorite after another stellar campaign that saw the Eagles finish 33-2 and place fourth at the NJCAA National Tournament. The program continues to set the national standard with its consistency and winning culture, even as it turns over much of last year's roster. Kirkwood remains the benchmark that every ICCAC team aims to catch.
DMACC is coming off a 21-10 season and will look to build on that success with a balanced mix of returning talent and incoming freshmen. The Bears' up-tempo offense and physical defense make them a tough matchup for any opponent, and they are primed to remain a fixture near the top of the standings.
Iowa Western is determined to bounce back after an uncharacteristic 15-16 season, its first losing record in five years. With six returners and a talented group of newcomers, the Reivers are poised for a turnaround and should once again contend for a top spot in the region.
Iowa Central enters a new era under a first-year head coach, bringing a sense of renewed optimism to Fort Dodge. After a 7-21 season, the Tritons are reloading with a mix of experienced returners and new faces looking to restore the program's winning tradition. Iowa Lakes also brings optimism into the new season after a 12-19 campaign, returning key contributors and welcoming an exciting freshman class that adds scoring and energy.
Ellsworth is coming off a 25-6 year and a runner-up finish in the Region 11B Tournament — its best season under its current staff. Despite losing much of last season's roster, the Panthers are confident their new core can continue the momentum. NIACC aims to continue its steady development after a strong showing last season, while Northeast looks to move up the standings behind an influx of young talent.
Marshalltown took major steps forward last year, winning 13 games and making the Region 11 Tournament for the first time since moving to Division II. The Tigers' improvement signals a program on the rise. Southeastern returns to the court this season after a one-year hiatus and is focused on reestablishing its foundation with a roster full of newcomers and energy.
Southwestern continues its rebuild with an all-freshman roster featuring talent from across the country and internationally, while Central looks for a fresh start with a mix of returning experience and a promising freshman class as it joins the ICCAC full-time.
With powerhouse programs at the top and emerging teams gaining ground, the ICCAC Division II women's basketball season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years. From start to finish, expect a conference full of parity, development, and must-watch matchups each week.
ICCAC Division II Women's Basketball Preview