BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) released the 2026 Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll on Thursday afternoon, and Winona State was voted to finish ninth overall and sixth in the NSIC South. Senior guard Vivica Bretton was selected as the Warriors player to watch for the 2026-27 season.
 
WSU went 17-13 overall and 13-9 in NSIC play during the 2025-26 season, finishing sixth overall and fourth in the NSIC South. Winona State received 112 points overall and 22 points in the NSIC South voting for the 2026-27 season.
 
Bretton, a senior from Rochester, Minn. returns to the Warriors after averaging 11.7 points per game, 4.8 rebounds per game, and 3.3 assists per game on 32.9 minutes per game during the 2025-26 season. Head Coach Wurtz on Bretton, "Viv has approached every day since her first season with intention, competitiveness, and a relentless work ethic. She chases greatness in everything she does."
 
The Warriors will be heading into their fifth season under head coach Ana Wurtz. Wurtz was asked about the upcoming season with the team and she said, "What excites me most about this team is the confidence they have earned through a tremendous amount of hard work. This group has learned to embrace adversity with a positive mindset, ask great questions, and maintain a relentless desire to see how good they can become. They compete in everything they do—on the court and off—and have found a great balance between competitiveness and joy. They love to learn, they love the game, and they genuinely love being around each other. They bring energy and enthusiasm to each day that makes this group incredibly fun to be around. They are ready to embrace the journey, lean into the challenges, and make the most of every opportunity this season brings."
 
The Warriors will open their season on the road when they travel to St. Paul, Minn. to face the University of St. Thomas on Sunday, Oct. 25th at 1 P.M.

Stay connected with Winona State University Athletics all season long by following the Warriors on social media at @WinonaStateATH (X/Instagram), @winonastatewarriors (YouTube) and Winona State Warrior Athletics (Facebook). Catch full schedules, scores and stories at winonastatewarriors.com.