ALISO VIEJO, Calif. – The reigning California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) regular-season and NCAA West Region champion Cal Poly Pomona women's basketball team has been selected first in the 2026-27 CCAA Preseason Coaches' Poll, receiving 190 points and eight first-place votes, as announced by the conference office on Friday morning.
 
The Broncos return nine veterans from last season, including Sydney Nelson, Brielle Minor, Andrea Stajic, Keke Scott, Khamiyah Anderson, Jolleen Olia, Kadence Lloyd, Madison Eade, and Allysan Tse. CPP advanced to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight last season after capturing the CCAA regular-season title and winning the NCAA West Region championship.
 
Cal State LA was picked second with 186 points and six first-place votes, followed by Chico State with 159 points. Cal Poly Humboldt was fourth with 140 points, while Cal State Dominguez Hills rounded out the top five with 134 points.
 
2026-27 CCAA Women's Basketball Preseason Poll
1. Cal Poly Pomona – 190 points (8)
2. Cal State LA – 186 points (6)
3. Chico State – 159 points
4. Cal Poly Humboldt – 140 points
5. Cal State Dominguez Hills – 134 points
6. Cal State San Bernardino – 119 points
7. Cal State East Bay – 111 points
8. Cal State Monterey Bay – 97 points
9. Cal State San Marcos – 88 points
10. Menlo – 65 points
11. Fresno Pacific – 64 points
12. UC Merced – 52 points
13. San Francisco State – 41 points
14. Stanislaus State – 24 points
 
"In my experience, you can never truly 'repeat' a season because every year brings a new team, new challenges and new opportunities," said CPP head coach Danelle Bishop, now in her 16^th season (17^th year) at the helm. "What we do have is a strong winning culture. Our players show up every day with an elite mindset and a commitment to improving individually, knowing that their growth ultimately helps elevate the team. That daily investment in development and accountability is what drives our success."

Bishop was named CCAA Coach of the Year and a WBCA DII National Coach of the Year finalist last season after leading the Broncos to 29 wins and an Elite Eight appearance, marking their most victories in a season since 1990. Assistant coach Cassandra Lacey returns for her second season with the program, now in the lead assistant role, while Bishop also recently added Sabrina White and Makayla Rose to the coaching staff.
 
Defense and rebounding are expected to remain central to the Broncos' identity. CPP finished eighth in the country in rebounds per game (43.6) last season, as well as 14^th in rebound margin (+9.2) and 15^th in defensive rebounds per game (29.1).
 
"One of the hallmarks of our program has been our consistency on the defensive end and on the glass," continued Bishop. "We have finished in the top two in the conference in both defense and rebounding year after year, and we expect those areas to remain major strengths for us this season. Our players take a great deal of pride in competing, defending and doing the little things that contribute to winning."
 
The Broncos will also welcome five newcomers in Anayla Anderson, Taliyah McFerson, Ivana Nwagbo, Lexi Peters, and Riley Walden.
 
"Anderson will provide a tremendous presence at the point guard position," said Bishop. "She's quick, shifty, sees the floor extremely well and has a natural ability to create opportunities for her teammates. Lexi Peters is a tireless worker whose toughness and grit will impact the game. Riley Walden, the former Freshman of the Year in her conference, brings valuable experience and is a true three-level scorer who can impact the game in a variety of ways. We're excited about what each of them adds to our team."
 
CPP's returning veterans will provide experience and leadership as the Broncos pursue another conference championship and a return to the national stage in March.
 
"Having Sydney, Brielle, Andrea, Keke, and Khamiyah back is truly a coach's dream," Bishop added. "These five veterans know our system inside and out and have a deep understanding of the standards and culture we've built within the program. They are outstanding leaders who are willing to do whatever it takes to help our team achieve its goals. Beyond basketball, they are women of tremendous character, resilience, and integrity, and they are incredibly deserving of the success that comes their way both on and off the court."

The Broncos will open the 2026-27 season against Saint Martin's in San Diego on Friday, November 13th, for the CCAA/PacWest/GNAC Challenge. The home opener will take place Wednesday, November 25th, against Concordia Irvine at 3:00 PM in Kellogg Arena. 
 
 
Tickets
Cal Poly Pomona Athletics enters the second year of a partnership with vivenu, a ticketing company committed to simplifying the ticket purchasing experience for college sports fans. Tickets will become available to purchase in the coming weeks for the entire 2026-27 season HERE.
 

• Adults - $12
• Military/First Responder - $7
• Senior (Ages 65+) - $7
• Children (Ages 6-17) - $5
• Visiting Students (with ID) - $5
• CPP Students (with ID) – FREE

 

CCAA on FloCollege
All CCAA-sponsored events, including conference postseason games, will be broadcast on FloCollege. Prices start at $9.99 per month for the annual plan, or $24.99 per month for the monthly plan. To sign up, please click HERE.