AMERICUS, Ga. — Georgia Southwestern State University was picked ninth in the 2026-27 Peach Belt Conference women's basketball preseason coaches poll released Tuesday by the league office. The Lady Hurricanes received 31 points in the 11-team vote.

James Frey enters his first season as the Lady Hurricanes' head coach after taking the position in July. GSW finished 10-17 overall and 6-14 in conference play last season.

The Lady Hurricanes return five players from that team, including Madison Brittle, Kassidy Neal and Shane' Jackson. Brittle averaged 10.5 points per game and led the returning group with 46 steals. Neal averaged 10.3 points and a team-leading 7.1 rebounds, while Jackson averaged 9.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and a team-high 51 blocked shots. Makenzie Kelly and Hannah Simmons also return. The duo combined for 10 starts last season.

Augusta topped the poll with 95 points and seven first-place votes. North Georgia was second with 86 points, followed by Columbus State with 83 and USC Beaufort with 81.