QUINCY, Ill. - The Quincy University women's basketball team has been selected seventh out of 15 teams in the Great Lakes Valley Conference women's basketball preseason coaches poll, earning 114 points.

The preseason poll is selected by the league's head coaches who are not permitted to vote for their own team, per GLVC bylaws. 

The Hawks enter the new campaign following a 15-13 overall record and a 12-8 conference record in 2025-26, and a return to the GLVC Tournament. Quincy will look to build on that experience as they welcome a new group of talent while continuing to develop their returning players under head coach Ali Schwagmeyer-Belger and her coaching staff.

The Hawks showed their ability to compete throughout last season, earning victories against a challenging schedule of GLVC competition.

Quincy recorded conference wins during the season and gained valuable postseason experience by reaching the GLVC tournament. That foundation provides the program with an opportunity to take another step forward this winter.

Quincy will look to its returning players to provide consistency and leadership as the team prepares for another competitive schedule. With experience from last season and additional depth joining the roster, the Hawks will aim to establish their identity early and build momentum as the season progresses.

Returning Leadership

Senior guards Katey Flynn and Blair Eftink headline Quincy's returning talent heading into the new season.

Flynn made an impact in her first season with the Hawks, starting all 28 games and leading the team in scoring and assists. She averaged 11.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.

Her 3.0 assists per game ranked eighth in the GLVC, providing Quincy with an experienced playmaker to lead the offense.

Eftink also played a key role, appearing in all 28 games. She averaged 8.0 points per game and led the Hawks with 48 three-pointers. With both guards returning, Quincy brings back important scoring and perimeter shooting experience.

Joining the Team

The roster will also feature seven newcomers, including five incoming freshmen and two transfers.

Halie Gilbert joins Quincy after competing at the University of Indianapolis, where she appeared in 27 games during the 2025-26 season, averaging 4.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game while shooting 49.0 percent from the field. Her experience competing against GLVC opponents provides an additional familiar presence within the conference.

Stacie Vonderheide arrives from Parkland Community College after an impressive sophomore campaign. She averaged 14.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game while shooting 60.4 percent from the field.

Her scoring ability and rebounding production will add another offensive option to the Hawks' lineup.

The five incoming freshmen will provide additional depth and potential as Quincy continues to shape its roster for the upcoming season. The combination of returning experience, collegiate transfers, and first-year players gives the Hawks a mix of familiarity and new opportunities as they prepare for GLVC play.

Leading the Hawks

Head coach Ali Schwagmeyer-Belger will lead the Hawks for her second season at the helm, joined by assistant coach Courtney Belger, graduate assistant Maya Wong, and volunteer assistant coach Kortarius Finley.

Schwagmeyer-Belger returned to her alma mater in 2025, where during her career, she earned GLVC Player of the Year honors and was a first-team All-GLVC selection as a senior.

The coaching staff will look to build on the team's 15-win campaign and GLVC Tournament appearance while helping a roster featuring returning contributors and seven newcomers continue to develop.

Quincy will open the 2026-27 season on Friday, November 13th, against Ursuline College in the GLVC/GMAC Crossover Tournament.

The contest is scheduled for a 5:00 PM tipoff in Pepper Pike, Ohio, as the Hawks begin their pursuit of another postseason appearance.

2026-27 GLVC Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll
 

1. Maryville	186 (6)
2. Missouri-St. Louis	183 (6)
3. Drury	171 (2)
4. McKendree	141
T5. Lewis	130
T5. Truman	130
7. Quincy	114
8. Upper Iowa	107
9. Illinois Springfield	98
10. Missouri S&T	90 (1)
11. Southwest Baptist	60
12. Indianapolis	54
13. Rockhurst	50
14. Lincoln	37
15. William Jewell	23

To view the preseason poll results, click here. 

To view the complete schedule, click here.