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A Tall task: How Fadima Tall carried Princeton to its first 2 wins of a new era
Senior guard/forward Fadima Tall sparks Princeton women's basketball into a new era with back‑to‑back wins. On Nov. 4 she drops 29 points and 22 rebounds in a 25‑20 victory over Belmont—the first 25‑20 line by a Tiger since 1985. Five days later she scores 27 points, 10 rebounds and ignites a 14‑0 fourth‑quarter run to overturn Richmond, sealing an 8‑point win. Tall’s heroics fuel head coach Lauren Gosselin’s debut season and give seniors a taste of Ivy League championship hopes.
Why didn’t it work out for the New York Liberty and Chris DeMarco?
The New York Liberty fire head coach Chris DeMarco after just one season, citing his lack of women's and full‑season coaching experience despite a 26‑18 record, a first‑round upset of the No. 1 Minnesota Lynx, and a Commissioner’s Cup win. The article argues DeMarco’s inexperience led to inconsistent play, roster turmoil and a semifinal sweep by the Atlanta Dream, contrasting his brief success with Becky Hammon’s proven WNBA pedigree. It also notes the timing of his dismissal on election day and reflects on the franchise’s lingering title ambitions.
ECAC monthly recap: October 2026
October marked the ECAC's first full month of action, highlighted by Princeton's dramatic sweep of UConn. After trailing 3‑0, the Tigers rallied to tie and won in OT, with first‑year forward Chloe Brinson scoring the game-winner on a power play. Special teams proved decisive, as Princeton scored four of six goals on the man advantage. RPI shocked #5‑ranked Northeastern with a 2‑1 overtime win, thanks to goaltender Sadie Bellissimo’s 30‑save performance and OT hero Barbora Černá Prošková. Union pulled off a spooky 5‑4 overtime victory over #12 Cornell, featuring Karianne Engelbert’s hat trick and five points—a program record against a ranked foe. The month closed with ECAC player‑of‑the‑month honors announced, setting the stage for a busy November.
Czechia spoils Austria’s debut at top division
Czechia shocks Austria 4-1 in the Women’s World Championship debut, delivering the Czech side’s first win under new coach Brian Idalski and securing second place in Group A. Austria’s captain Anna Meixner scores the nation’s inaugural top‑division goal at 7:03, but Czech stars Klára Hymlárová, Natálie Mlýnková and two‑goal scorer Kateřine Mrázová (including an empty‑netter) turn the tide. Czechia dominates with 46 shots to Austria’s 12, while netminder Selma Luggin makes 42 saves. Meanwhile, Canada thumps Sweden 5-1 and the USA blanks Switzerland 7-0 on opening day.
PWHL Detroit’s guide to the World Championship
The IX Sports outlines eight PWHL Detroit players to watch at the 2026 Women’s World Championship in Denmark, which runs Nov. 6‑16. Swiss goaltender Andrea Brändli leads her bronze‑medal team in Group A, while the U.S. fields four Detroit stars—captain Hilary Knight, Cayla Barnes, Jesse Compher and Hannah Bilka—despite Britta Curl‑Salemme’s pregnancy leave. Germany counts defender Nina Jobst‑Smith, Canada has forward Daryl Watts (noted for her 13 points and penalty minutes), and Japan’s Akane Shiga brings a decade of international experience. The article notes where to watch the games (NHL Network/TSN).
The IX Sports Podcast Hockey Edition: Women’s Hockey World Championship preview
On the November 6 episode of The IX Sports Podcast Hockey Edition, host Maya Smith previews the IIHF Women’s World Championship in Denmark (Nov. 6‑16) and breaks down recent PWHL salary reforms. Teams will now roster 24 fully‑salaried players, eliminating reserves, with minimum pay rising to $42,000 in 2026 and $52,500 by 2030‑31. Smith questions where short‑term replacements will come from. She predicts a Canada‑U.S. gold‑medal showdown, notes Czechia’s missing stars Tereza Vanišová and Denisa Křížová, and highlights bronze hopes for Czechia or Switzerland. The episode also discusses Sweden’s podium chances and features an interview with Madison Samoskevich.
Angel City is peaking at the perfect time
Angel City bursts into the 2026 NWSL playoffs after an eight‑win, two‑loss surge that clinched their first postseason since 2023. A mid‑season coaching change from Alexander Straus to interim boss Leif Smerud on June 17 sparked a turnaround, with the team earning 39 points in 19 games, boosting scoring from 1.45 to two goals per match and posting ten clean sheets—double the club record. Key additions like Defender of the Year Emily Sams and the return of Savy King fortified the back line, while rookie Taylor Suarez’s October‑November heroics earned her Rookie of the Month. Now Angel City faces Kansas City Current, hoping the newfound defensive solidity and attacking depth will carry them to the semifinals.
UCLA still searching for identity despite early wins
UCLA women's basketball opens the 2026‑27 season with wins over Lehigh (Nov. 2) and UC Irvine (Nov. 5) but head coach Cori Close admits the Bruins still lack identity. With seven newcomers—including five transfers—and only sophomore Sienna Betts seeing significant minutes from last year’s roster, Close is constantly tweaking lineups, having used all 10 players in each game. Betts leads the scoring with 15 points at Lehigh and a career‑high 17 at Irvine, yet Close says the team has no consistent go‑to yet and must develop defensive cohesion before Big Ten play. The Bruins aim to build collective accountability while searching for rhythm and confidence.
The IX Sports Podcast: What the End of Chris DeMarco Experiment Says About the WNBA
On the November 6 episode of The IX Sports Podcast, hosts Jackie Powell and Howard Megdal dissect the New York Liberty’s decision to fire head coach Chris DeMarco on Nov. 3. They open with the historic WNBA Finals viewership—1.5 million for Game 6 and 3.3 million for Game 7 on Halloween, a 30% rise over last year, cementing the league’s strongest audience yet. The hosts then examine the controversy sparked by a mis‑handled timeout call involving Breanna Stewart, noting DeMarco’s lack of clear accountability and the Liberty’s rapid turnover to a third coach in three years. A deeper analysis from Powell is promised in upcoming IX Sports coverage.
Hockey East monthly recap: October 2026
October in Hockey East delivered standout moments as the season kicked off. Vermont opened with a 3-0 shutout over top‑10 Minnesota‑Duluth, highlighted by freshman goalie Tara Bach’s 36 saves and goals from Morgann Skoda, Stella Retrum and Kaylee Lewis. Boston College rebounded from a roster loss, posting a 6-3‑0 start that included a 2‑0 shutout of No. 12 Cornell despite being outshot, thanks to netminder Avah Sedore and power‑play hero Sarah Powers. New coaches also marked milestones: Courtney Kennedy earned her first win with UMass‑Lowell, while Nicole Norton secured Providence’s inaugural victory. These early results set an exciting tone for the 2026‑27 campaign.
PWHL announces rule changes, officiating team
One month before the PWHL season launch, the league rolls out major rulebook updates and reveals its officiating crew. New mandatory neck protection now requires all players, including goalies, to wear ANSI/ISEA‑rated gear (A4 minimum, A5 preferred), matching IIHF standards. High‑sticking is relaxed: batting the puck above shoulder height is allowed and play continues after a ‘washout’ signal, though it’s still prohibited on penalty shots. A revised body‑checking policy permits contact when players are pursuing the puck or maintaining position, while banning blindside checks on defenseless opponents. The changes aim to boost safety and game flow as the PWHL prepares for its debut.
2026 Worlds preview: Canada
Canada’s women’s hockey team enters the 2026 World Championship after a silver‑medal disappointment at the Olympics and a shake‑up in leadership. New GM Danièle Sauvageau and head coach Kori Cheverie have assembled a youthful roster, adding debutants like Jessie Eldridge, Caitlin Kraemer and Rosalie Tremblany while veterans Brianne Jenner, Natalie Spooner and Jocelyne Larocque sit out injured or unavailable. The team split exhibition games with the U.S., earning a 5‑3 win – its first in eight meetings – before a 4‑0 loss. Key players to watch include Laura Stacey, Emma Maltais, Daryl Watts and goaltender Ann‑Renée Desbiens as Canada aims to reclaim the gold.
Valkyries look to future, celebrate present in championship parade
The Golden State Valkyries celebrate winning the WNBA title in just their second season with a massive parade in Oakland, drawing an estimated 400,000 fans. Owner Joe Lacob praises the "most amazing fans" and predicts another championship, while head coach Natalie Nakase lauds the team's grit and aggressive Bay‑area style. The squad clinched the finals in a dramatic Game 7 at Chase Center, with point guard Veronica Burton speaking to the crowd and guards Kaitlyn Chen and Justė Jocytė spraying champagne. Key figures—including GM Ohemaa Nyanin, president Jess Smith, and center Aminata Gueye—signed autographs, marking a historic moment for Bay sports since the Warriors' 2022 NBA win.
2026 Worlds preview: United States
Team USA aims to defend its IIHF Women’s World Championship gold at the 2026 tournament, fielding a largely unchanged roster that also captured Olympic gold earlier this year. Head coach John Wroblewski leads a squad featuring star defender Caroline "KK" Harvey—2025 Worlds points leader, Olympic MVP, and first‑overall PWHL draft pick—alongside veterans like Hilary Knight and emerging talent such as Lacey Eden. Kendall Coyne Schofield sits out due to pregnancy. The United States opens group play Nov. 6 against Switzerland, then faces Germany, Austria and Czechia. With the goal of back‑to‑back gold, USA anticipates another showdown with Canada for the title.
Versatile Sydnei Marshall’s passion and faith lead Mississippi Valley State
Sydnei Marshall, the 5'9 senior guard for Mississippi Valley State, turned a fear-filled New Year’s Day overtime into a dramatic 74-72 win over Alabama A&M, delivering the game‑winning basket that gave the Bulldogs their only SWAC loss. Known for her relentless defense, Marshall attributes her confidence to late‑night gym sessions, a strong faith symbolized by Romans 8:18, and the memory of her late father, whose support still drives her. After two years at Three Rivers College (4.9 ppg), she has emerged as one of the SWAC’s top two‑way players and a candidate for Player of the Year, balancing personal loss with on‑court leadership.
Madison Samoskevich prepares for her sophomore season in the PWHL
Madison Samoskevich, the only Goldeneyes draft pick to stay with Vancouver’s inaugural PWHL team, re‑signed on a one‑year deal ahead of her sophomore season. The former Quinnipiac star (19 goals, 65 assists in five years) highlighted how the Bobcats’ culture and battling style prepared her for the pro game’s physicality. After entering training camp unsigned and scoring her first PWHL goal in 2026, she says the expansion environment fostered a unique rookie experience and strong fan connections. In an interview she reflects on college lessons, the challenges of a debut season and her confidence moving forward.
Ahead of Worlds and her PWHL Hamilton debut, Anna Kjellbin draws on familiarity amidst time of change
Swedish national team captain Anna Kjellbin signs a one‑year deal with the expansion PWHL Hamilton, adding veteran depth to a young blue‑line. After stints with Montréal (2024) and Toronto (2025), she praises Hamilton’s vision and the club’s international roster, which includes players from Germany, Finland, Switzerland, Denmark and Russia. Kjellbin looks forward to teaming up with fellow Europeans Nelli Laitinen and Alina Müller, while preparing for the 2026 World Championships under new Swedish coach Erika Holst. The article highlights Hamilton’s blend of North American and European talent as a unique advantage in the league.
Unrivaled announces Season 3 rosters
Unrivaled rolls out its Season 3 line‑ups ahead of the Jan. 8, 2027 debut in Boston and Inglewood. Eight three‑on‑three clubs combine draft picks, coach input and league guidance to balance talent, with notable returns like Paige Bueckers (Breeze), Breanna Stewart (Mist BC) and Rhyne Howard (Vinyl BC). New faces include Kahleah Copper, Cameron Brink and Gabby Williams, while coaches such as Barb Turner and Teresa Weatherspoon bring WNBA experience. The roster reveals fresh rivalries and continues the league’s focus on competitive balance.
Jack Jensen-Fitzpatrick joins the family business at Iowa
University of Iowa freshman Jack Jensen-Fitzpatrick, son of women’s basketball head coach Jan Jensen, lands a manager role with the Hawkeyes. Opting out of playing college basketball, he applied after a vacancy opened and impressed video coordinator Ben Lober with his basketball knowledge and customer‑service skills. Jensen-Fitzpatrick will handle daily tasks—from court setup and equipment prep to travel logistics—and even scrimmages with players. The position gives him a closer look at his mother’s coaching duties and eases his transition to dorm life. He celebrated the role during Iowa’s 73‑45 win over Towson on Nov. 2, 2026.
Indiana Fever offseason notebook: The latest on Fever’s front office search
The Indiana Fever have hired former Trail Blazers scouting manager Sheri Sam as assistant general manager, focusing on scouting and analytics ahead of the 2027 WNBA Draft. While the franchise continues its search for a permanent GM—handled by Excel Search & Advisory—it will not add a president of basketball operations. The move comes as the team prepares to evaluate prospects for its 10th overall pick. Other updates include the departure of equipment manager Kristin Moore, contract nuances for forward Monique Billings, and Aliyah Boston's season‑ending knee surgery. Star guard Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell also earned All‑WNBA honors.
Rice celebrates a championship, then turns its attention to the ‘Pursuit of More’
Rice women’s basketball celebrates a record‑setting 29‑win 2025‑26 season, unveiled a conference championship banner and handed out rings, then immediately launches the 2026‑27 campaign with a 72‑34 win over Houston Christian. Coach Lindsay Edmonds emphasizes the new “Pursuit of More” mantra—more work, shots, repetitions, joy and wins—after noting the Owls left something on the table despite last year’s success. Star guard Victoria Flores, the reigning American Conference Player of the Year, and preseason All‑Conference second‑teamer Hailey Adams lead the squad, now the overwhelming favorite in the league. The Owls aim to translate their dominant defense and relentless rebounding into another championship run.
2026 Worlds preview: Czechia
Czechia enters the 2026 Women’s World Championship in Denmark aiming for its first medal since 2023 after a fifth‑place finish at the Winter Olympics. New head coach Brian Idalski replaces Carla MacLeod, and a healthy 25‑player roster features standout forward Adéla Šapovalivová (NCAA), teenage prodigy Tereza Gildainová, and solid goaltender Klára Peslarová. The team must avoid a last‑place group finish to stay out of relegation and will target a bronze‑medal game, mirroring its 2022‑23 successes. Notable absences include Tereza Vanišová and Denisa Křížová.
2026 Worlds preview: Finland
The IIHF Women’s World Championship returns after 18 months, and Finland heads in as the 2025 bronze‑medal holder. With veteran defender Ronja Savolainen out and five debutants added, the Finns aim to improve on a 15‑goal offense that barely progressed last year. Star forward Sofianna Sundelin, a 23‑year‑old with 14 points in 10 games for St. Cloud State, emerges as a key player after being omitted from the 2026 Olympic squad. Finland’s group‑stage fixtures at KVIK Arena in Herning—Denmark (Nov 6), Sweden (Nov 8), Japan (Nov 10) and Canada (Nov 11)—will determine if they can reach another medal game.
The IX Sports Podcast Soccer Edition: 2026 NWSL Playoff preview
On the latest IX Sports Podcast, host Kathleen Gier chats with Jacob Mitchell and Kofi about the 2026 NWSL playoffs. They celebrate Gotham FC’s first‑ever Shield title before breaking down the first‑round matchups: Gotham vs. Seattle Reign, Kansas City Current vs. Angel City FC, San Diego Wave vs. Utah Royals, and Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns. Mitchell backs the Wave, predicts an Angel City upset, and expects a low‑scoring Gotham‑Seattle game. The trio also previews the season‑end awards. Listen for insider predictions and analysis of women’s soccer’s biggest postseason showdown.
Minnesota’s Chloe Primerano is ready to level up
Minnesota junior defender Chloe Primerano is gearing up for a packed fall, juggling Gophers regular‑season play with Canada’s national team duties. The 19‑year‑old will return to the IIHF Women’s World Championships in Denmark on Nov. 6, her second Worlds appearance, after a summer that saw her break ground at an NHL development camp with the Edmonton Oilers, compete in Hockey Canada’s national women’s camp, and play in the Collegiate Select Series. Primerano praised the NHL coaching experience, scored in a three‑on‑three scrimmage, and highlighted the growing competitiveness of the women’s game.
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