WAVERLY, Iowa – No. 14 Wartburg women's basketball is set to open the 2025-26 season this weekend with its own Wartburg Tipoff Tournament. The Knights will host Knox College at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7 before hosting No. 8/10 John Hopkins University at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8.
 
Last Season
The Knights clinched their 12th regular season title a season ago after going undefeated in conference play for just the fourth time in program history. The postseason got underway with a win over Luther College in the semifinals of the A-R-C Tournament before defeating Coe College for a third time during the 2024-25 season in the A-R-C title game. The A-R-C Tournament championship is the sixth in program history and gave the Knights an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
 
Wartburg traveled to St. Peter, Minn. for the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament, where in round one the Knights defeated the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point 57-56. The postseason run ended in round two when the host school No. 5/6 Gustavus College defeated the Knights 56-50. The NCAA Tournament run marked the ninth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance for Wartburg. The Knights closed the season ranked 10th in the Womens Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) national poll and 16th in the D3hoops.com national poll.
 
This Season
Wartburg returns several key contributors from last year's squad. Lauren Golinghorst scored 6.4 ppg  and 4.1 rpg last season and played an important role off the bench. Grace Hennessy and Lauren Donlea have provided starting experience. Grace Hennessy finished last season with 6.0 ppg and 3.3 rpg. Lauren Donlea played an important role in the backcourt and posted 47 total assists. Emma Townsley, Finley Fitzgerald, and Ava Trettin each made at least 10 appearances during last year's campaign.
 
 In the National Polls
The Knights enter the 2025-26 season ranked No. 14 in the Womens Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) preseason poll and receiving votes in the D3hoops.com preseason top 25.
 
Amsberry Set for Year 20 at the Helm
After leading the Knights to a ninth consecutive 20 win season, head coach Bob Amsberry prepares for his 20th season leading the Knights.
 
A-R-C Preseason Poll
1. Coe - 64 (8)
2. Wartburg - 54 (1)
3. Luther - 49
4. Simpson - 46
5. Central - 30
6. Buena Vista - 26
7. Univ. of Dubuque - 24
8. Loras - 23
9. Nebraska Wesleyan - 8
 
From the A-R-C
After running the table in conference play last season, the Wartburg College Knights enter 2025-26 with a new-look lineup and the same championship mindset. Wartburg returns starter Lauren Donlea while reloading around a mix of emerging contributors and promising newcomers. Head coach Bob Amsberry will have his squad ready to go for the season as he enters year 20 leading the Knights on the hardwood.

"We've built something special over the past several seasons, and this year's group is committed to advancing that legacy," added Amsberry. "We're embracing the growth opportunities that come with the strength and depth of the A-R-C."