Photo by: Bobcat Creative Services
10/21/2026 1:00:00 PM | Women's Basketball
BOZEMAN, Mont. – After a record-setting season, the Montana State women's basketball team has been tabbed to finish first in both the Big Sky Preseason Coaches and Media polls, announced by the conference on Wednesday.
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Montana State head coach Tricia Binford, who enters her 22nd season with the Bobcats, welcomes back 10 letterwinners and four newcomers to the squad. During a historic 2025-26 season, Binford guided her team to its longest postseason run and set the conference record for most wins in consecutive seasons with 57 over the last two years.
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"It's always exciting to see where we've been picked in the preseason polls," Binford said. "We have our starting lineup returning from last season, we have Dylan Philip back, and we're really excited about our newcomers. We put a lot of value into building culture and making sure that every member on this team plays a role in our success. Our community has really stepped up to support them and create an incredible atmosphere. We are all looking forward to getting back in The Brick in front of Bobcat Nation."
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Two Bobcats earned all-conference team recognition, headlined by Preseason MVP Taylee Chirrick. After becoming the only player in MSU history to win Big Sky MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season, Chirrick became the program and conference single-season steals leader with 145, and finished third among active NCAA DI players with 4.2 steals per game as a sophomore.
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"I have worked really hard the last few years, and it's so rewarding to hear that all these people have faith in me," Chirrick said. "There's a lot of room for growth this season, but I'm looking forward to seeing how much success this team can have."
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Junior Addison Harris also earned a spot on the all-conference team after receiving first-team All-Big Sky accolades last season. Harris totaled 495 points, 142 rebounds, 48 assists, 33 steals, and 24 blocks while starting all 35 games for Montana State in her sophomore campaign.
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The Bobcats continue their preseason slate on Sunday, Oct. 25, when they host South Dakota Mines in an exhibition match. The regular season will begin on Monday, Nov. 2, when Black Hills State comes to Bozeman. Season and single-game tickets are on sale now.
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Big Sky Women's Basketball Preseason All-Conference Team
Taylee Chirrick, Montana State (MVP)
Addison Harris, Montana State
Hope Hassmann, Idaho
Kourtney Grossman, Eastern Washington
Ava Uhrich, Southern Utah
Avery Waddington, Montana
Elyn Bowers, Eastern Washington
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2026-27 Big Sky Preseason Coaches' Poll                                   Â
1. Montana State (9) – 99                                                                          Â
2. Idaho (2) – 90
3. Northern Colorado – 76
4. Eastern Washington – 71
5. Southern Utah - 67
6. Montana – 54
7. Idaho State – 49
8. Weber State – 32
9. Portland State – 30
10. Northern Arizona – 27
11. Utah Tech – 10
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2026-27 Big Sky Preseason Media Poll
1. Montana State (23) – 283
2. Idaho (3) – 254
3. Northern Colorado – 214
4. Eastern Washington – 197
5. Southern Utah – 173
6. Idaho State – 157
7. Montana – 149
8. Northern Arizona – 110
9. Weber State – 70
10. Portland State – 63
11. Utah Tech – 46
() – Denotes First-Place Votes
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Follow the Bobcats
For the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes coverage of the Montana State women's basketball team, follow the Bobcats on X at @MSUBobcatsWBB and on Instagram at @msubobcatswbb. Information on the Montana State athletic program can be found online at msubobcats.com or by following the Bobcats on X at @MSUBobcats, Instagram @MontanaStateBobcats, and on Facebook at Montana State Bobcats.
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Montana State head coach Tricia Binford, who enters her 22nd season with the Bobcats, welcomes back 10 letterwinners and four newcomers to the squad. During a historic 2025-26 season, Binford guided her team to its longest postseason run and set the conference record for most wins in consecutive seasons with 57 over the last two years.
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"It's always exciting to see where we've been picked in the preseason polls," Binford said. "We have our starting lineup returning from last season, we have Dylan Philip back, and we're really excited about our newcomers. We put a lot of value into building culture and making sure that every member on this team plays a role in our success. Our community has really stepped up to support them and create an incredible atmosphere. We are all looking forward to getting back in The Brick in front of Bobcat Nation."
Â
Two Bobcats earned all-conference team recognition, headlined by Preseason MVP Taylee Chirrick. After becoming the only player in MSU history to win Big Sky MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season, Chirrick became the program and conference single-season steals leader with 145, and finished third among active NCAA DI players with 4.2 steals per game as a sophomore.
Â
"I have worked really hard the last few years, and it's so rewarding to hear that all these people have faith in me," Chirrick said. "There's a lot of room for growth this season, but I'm looking forward to seeing how much success this team can have."
Â
Junior Addison Harris also earned a spot on the all-conference team after receiving first-team All-Big Sky accolades last season. Harris totaled 495 points, 142 rebounds, 48 assists, 33 steals, and 24 blocks while starting all 35 games for Montana State in her sophomore campaign.
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The Bobcats continue their preseason slate on Sunday, Oct. 25, when they host South Dakota Mines in an exhibition match. The regular season will begin on Monday, Nov. 2, when Black Hills State comes to Bozeman. Season and single-game tickets are on sale now.
Â
Big Sky Women's Basketball Preseason All-Conference Team
Taylee Chirrick, Montana State (MVP)
Addison Harris, Montana State
Hope Hassmann, Idaho
Kourtney Grossman, Eastern Washington
Ava Uhrich, Southern Utah
Avery Waddington, Montana
Elyn Bowers, Eastern Washington
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2026-27 Big Sky Preseason Coaches' Poll                                   Â
1. Montana State (9) – 99                                                                          Â
2. Idaho (2) – 90
3. Northern Colorado – 76
4. Eastern Washington – 71
5. Southern Utah - 67
6. Montana – 54
7. Idaho State – 49
8. Weber State – 32
9. Portland State – 30
10. Northern Arizona – 27
11. Utah Tech – 10
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2026-27 Big Sky Preseason Media Poll
1. Montana State (23) – 283
2. Idaho (3) – 254
3. Northern Colorado – 214
4. Eastern Washington – 197
5. Southern Utah – 173
6. Idaho State – 157
7. Montana – 149
8. Northern Arizona – 110
9. Weber State – 70
10. Portland State – 63
11. Utah Tech – 46
() – Denotes First-Place Votes
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Follow the Bobcats
For the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes coverage of the Montana State women's basketball team, follow the Bobcats on X at @MSUBobcatsWBB and on Instagram at @msubobcatswbb. Information on the Montana State athletic program can be found online at msubobcats.com or by following the Bobcats on X at @MSUBobcats, Instagram @MontanaStateBobcats, and on Facebook at Montana State Bobcats.
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Players Mentioned
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