A Season Defined by Excellence
The Harding University women's basketball team has etched a new chapter in its history, not only for its performance on the hardwood but also for its scholarly achievements. The Lady Bisons secured a place on the 2025‑26 WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll, posting a cumulative 3.776 GPA that positioned them tenth nationally among Division II programs.
The academic accolade follows a dominant campaign in which the Bisons captured the Great American Conference regular‑season championship and finished with 24 victories, earning an at‑large berth to the NCAA Division II Tournament. Their success on the court was matched by a commitment to classroom excellence that resonated across the conference.
Danielle Donehew, executive director of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association, praised the team for embodying the association’s mission of “excellence on the court and in the classroom.” Her remarks underscored the growing emphasis on holistic development within collegiate athletics.
The recognition also highlighted three Lady Bisons — Josie Williams, Amelia Rogers and Allie Rehl — who earned CSC Academic All‑District honors earlier in the year, further cementing the program’s reputation for producing scholar‑athletes.
Harding was one of three Great American Conference schools to appear in the WBCA Top 25, alongside Mercy University, which topped the division with a 3.853 team GPA. The collective achievement reflects a broader culture of academic ambition within the conference.
Tim Kirby, head coach of the Lady Bisons, expressed pride in his players’ dedication, noting that the team’s dual focus has set a new standard for future seasons.