Three Heart Teams Selected in 2026 NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship Field
The NAIA has announced the 64-team field for the 2026 NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship, with three programs from the Heart of America Athletic Conference earning bids to the national tournament. MidAmerica Nazarene University, Benedictine College, and Grand View University will represent the Heart in the First and Second Rounds on March 13–14 at campus host sites across the country.
Each opening-round site features four teams competing in a single-elimination bracket, with the site winner advancing to the championship final site in Sioux City, March 19–24 at the Tyson Events Center.
Notably, MidAmerica Nazarene University has been selected as one of the 16 host sites for the First and Second Rounds in Olathe, Kansas.
MidAmerica Nazarene University enters the national tournament ranked No. 10 nationally after capturing both the Heart regular-season and conference tournament championships. The Pioneers finished the season 26–3 overall and 19–1 in conference play. Head coach Jon Lewis was named Heart Women's Basketball Coach of the Year.
Benedictine College earned an at-large bid after finishing as the Heart Conference Tournament runner-up and placing second in the conference regular-season standings. The Ravens finished the season 24–7 overall and 18–2 in conference play. Assistant coach Andi Connelly was named Heart Assistant Coach of the Year, while Kelli Storck earned Heart Freshman of the Year honors.
Grand View University also secured a spot in the national tournament after finishing third in the Heart regular-season standings. The Vikings posted a 22–8 overall record and an 18–2 mark in conference play, advancing to the Heart Conference Tournament semifinals.
All First and Second Round games will stream live on the Urban Edge Network. Winners from each site will advance to Sioux City to compete for the NAIA Red Banner.
MidAmerica Nazarene University – No. 4 Seed
Olathe, Kansas Pool
- First Round: vs. No. 13 University of Saint Mary
- Other First Round Matchup: No. 5 Mid-America Christian University vs. No. 12 Olivet Nazarene University
- Overall Record: 26–3 (19–1 Heart)
- Conference Finish: Heart Regular-Season and Conference Tournament Champion
- NAIA Tournament Appearances: 14
- NAIA National Championships: 1
- Notable: Head Coach Jon Lewis – Heart Women's Basketball Coach of the Year
Benedictine College – No. 10 Seed
Campbellsville, Kentucky Pool
- First Round: vs. No. 7 LSU Shreveport
- Other First Round Matchup: No. 2 Campbellsville University vs. No. 15 Bryan College
- Overall Record: 24–7 (18–2 Heart)
- Conference Finish: Heart Conference Tournament Runner-Up; Second in Regular Season
- NAIA Tournament Appearances: 15
- Notable: Andi Connelly – Heart Assistant Coach of the Year; Kelli Storck – Heart Freshman of the Year
Grand View University – No. 14 Seed
Madison, South Dakota Pool
- First Round: vs. No. 3 Dakota State University
- Other First Round Matchup: No. 6 Concordia University vs. No. 11 Bethel College
- Overall Record: 22–8 (18–2 Heart)
- Conference Finish: Third in Heart Regular Season
- NAIA Tournament Appearances: 13
Winners of each four-team site advance to the NAIA Final Site in Sioux City at the Tyson Events Center (March 19–24).