Florida Southern Picked Sixth in 2025-26 SSC Women’s Basketball Preseason Poll

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Sunshine State Conference announced its 2025–26 women's basketball preseason coaches' poll Tuesday afternoon, with Florida Southern College women's basketball selected sixth among the league's 11 programs.

The Moccasins earned 52 total points in the annual poll, voted on by head coaches across the SSC. Defending co-champion Tampa was picked to win the regular season title with 95 points and five first-place votes, followed by Embry-Riddle (90 points, six first-place votes) in second. Eckerd, Nova Southeastern, and Lynn round out the top five.

Florida Southern finished ahead of Palm Beach Atlantic (44 points), Saint Leo (34), Barry (30), Rollins (29), and Florida Tech (19).

"We're excited about the group we have this year," said head coach Megan Dzikas '12, entering her fourth season at the helm. "Our team has grown tremendously, and we're eager to continue building on that momentum. The Sunshine State Conference is one of the toughest leagues in Division II, and our players are ready to compete at a high level every night."

The Moccasins return a strong core of contributors from last season, including All-SSC second team member Sydney Gomes. Gomes is joined by Lily Randgaard and Catalina Ion, who both played all 27 games for FSC. Along with returning 75% of the offense, FSC welcomes a talented group of newcomers for 2025–26, including three transfers and two freshmen. 

Dzikas also brought in two new coaches to her staff, with Shelby Wheeler returning to FSC with a decade of coaching and leadership experience, most recently serving as Associate Head Coach at Ursuline College, and Bobby Orndorff, who served as a student assistant during his time at the University of Wyoming.  

Florida Southern opens the campaign on November 14 with the annual GSC/SSC Crossover before beginning conference play later in the month.