Central Michigan University has unveiled its 2026‑27 women’s basketball home schedule, a 15‑game slate that blends marquee matchups with a rigorous non‑conference slate.
Home Opener Against Michigan
The Chippewas will open their season on December 16 with a much‑anticipated showdown against the University of Michigan, a game that also serves as the first meeting of the new Michigan MAC Trophy series.
Beyond that marquee contest, the schedule features four games against Big Ten powerhouses — Ohio State, Minnesota and Purdue — as well as a series of non‑conference opponents that include Butler, Valparaiso and an NAIA exhibition against Indiana Wesleyan.
Conference Battles and Rivalry Wins
Mid‑American Conference play will see the Chippewas host each of seven league rivals twice, with home dates against Bowling Green on Jan. 6 and March 3, and a rematch with Eastern Michigan on Feb. 27. The team finished the previous season 18‑12 overall and 12‑6 in the MAC, capturing the Michigan MAC Trophy by sweeping Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan.
Head Coach Kristin Haynie, now in her third year, guided the squad to its first multi‑win improvement in three seasons, a turnaround that has lifted the program’s profile and secured a seventh‑place ranking in NCAA Division I rebounding margin (10.4) for the 2025‑26 campaign.
The upcoming season offers a chance to build on that momentum, with the coaching staff emphasizing defensive intensity and rebounding dominance as key pillars for success.