PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The University of Southern Maine was named the unanimous favorite to win the 2025-26 Little East Conference (LEC) championship after receiving each of a possible eight first-place votes for 64 points in the annual preseason coaches’ poll, it was announced by the LEC office Tuesday.
 
The Huskies posted an overall record of 18-10 last season while placing third in the conference standings at 12-4. USM went on to advance to the LEC tournament final for the first time since 2014 by defeating sixth-seeded UMass Boston (59-48) and second-seeded Rhode Island College (71-57).
 
Rhode Island College was picked second in the preseason poll after totaling 53 points. The Anchorwomen are coming off a 19-7 season that saw them tie for first in the conference standings at 14-2 before their run of four consecutive LEC tournament titles came to an end.
 
Keene State College (47 points) was picked to finish third, while defending LEC tournament champion University of Massachusetts Dartmouth was picked fourth with 41 points after losing the bulk of last year’s key contributors to graduation. UMass Boston and Western Connecticut State University are projected to make the six-team LEC tournament, tying for fifth in the preseason poll.
 
The complete 2025-26 LEC Women’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll is as follows.
 
Institution - Points (FPV)
1. Southern Maine  - 64 (8)
2. Rhode Island College - 53 (1)
3. Keene State - 47
4. UMass Dartmouth - 41
T5. UMass Boston - 31
T5. Western Connecticut - 31
7. Eastern Connecticut - 30
8. Plymouth State - 19
9. VTSU Castleton - 8
 
NOTE: Head coaches are not permitted to vote for their own team.