WASHINGTON – Longtime Saint Joseph’s head coach Cindy Griffin returns 83% of her scoring and 82% of its rebounding for the 2026-27, so she was not surprised to see her team predicted near the top of the league.
Saint Joseph’s became the first Atlantic 10 program since 2022 to be voted unanimously atop the conference’s preseason poll. It marks the first time the Hawks have led the poll since the 2003-04 season.
“If you look at the returning rosters in the league, we were either going to be picked one or two just based on who we have coming back and the talent we have,” Griffin told Field of 68’s Talia Goodman. “We expected it, maybe not unanimous but we definitely expected it and we’re happy about it.”
Enter the season ranked first does carry a target, though Griffin channeled her inner Billie Jean King by explaining that pressure is a privilege.
“Last year we had to go through some growing pains and maybe exceeded some expectations,” Griffin said. “What was really evident with the group last year was they were ready to step up as primary players and scorers. That was great but we had to go through some growing pains with eight new players on the roster. This year, you’re not looking too far ahead, but there’s some things teaching wise, with continuity of practice which has gotten a little quicker and smoother, so we’re celebrating those moments.”
Here is a look at the Hawks:
Coach – Cindy Griffin - 26
th season
Last year- Saint Joseph’s went 20-11 overall and 10-8 in A10 play, marking the Hawks fourth consecutive season with at least 20 victories. Griffin warned that her team would surprise doubters, and true to her word, the Hawks showed a lot of growth. The team collected strong nonconference wins over Cincinnati and Columbia, eventually earning the No. 5 seed in the Betterment Atlantic 10 Tournament. Saint Joseph’s bested Duquesne in a second round contest before losing to Davidson in the quarterfinals.
They’ll miss- Faith Stinson (8.7 ppg/4.5 rpg/46.6% FT), Kaylie Griffin (1.4 ppg/83.3% FT)
Impact returners- Gabby Casey (15.7 ppg/6.2 rpg/47.1% FG/40.5% 3-pointers/66 3’s/45 stls), Aleah Snead (11.6 ppg/5.4 rpg/44.4% FG), Rhian Stokes (9.8 ppg/40.5% 3-pointers/41 stls)
Newcomers of note- Deja Evans (10.1 ppg/6.5 rpg @ Drexel), Maddy Potts (3.5 ppg @ Syracuse), Jahzara Green (freshman)
Reasons to be optimistic- Gabby Casey has made a significant jump every year at Saint Joseph’s.
With her work ethic and love for basketball evident, Griffin explained that Casey does not settle for anything average, putting in the extra time to learn different ways to help her team out. As a leader, she always asks questions in an effort to guide the team to an A10 championship.
“(I want to) just continue to be efficient on offense and maybe increase the points a little bit, but honestly team success, getting wins and being able score with my left hand and pick apart defenses,” Casey said.
Casey and Aleah Snead lead the core of returning Hawks, with the latter recording 11.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game last season while shooting at a 44.4 percent clip.
Jill Jekot and Kaylinn Bethea are also expected to take leaps this season. Griffin remarked that Jekot came back from the offseason in terrific shape and has shot the ball at a high clip, while showing the ability to play multiple positions.
Griffin praised Bethea’s ballhandling skills as a point guard, utilizing speed and quickness to navigate the offense.
X Factor- Deja Evans is a proven transfer from Drexel that adds to the team’s rebounding, while also bringing an impressive post game. Casey previously played with Evans, so the pair own a built-in chemistry.
Maddie Potts comes from Syracuse and has showcased an ability to shoot the ball while adding to team values.
Freshman Jahzara Green has encouraged Griffin with her verticality, rebounding ability, and athleticism.
Circle the date- The most challenging piece of Saint Joseph’s schedule comes on Nov. 27 and Nov. 29 as the Hawks head to the Bahamas for the Baha Mar Hoops – Nassau Championship, facing a pair of 2025-26 NCAA Tournament teams. First off, St. Joe’s will face All-American Juju Watkins and USC before battling an Illinois team which returns all five starters. Also included on the nonconference schedule: Cincinnati, Penn, Penn State, Columbia and Holy Cross.
“Gabby and Aleah really wanted to play high level teams,” said Griffin. “We need to do that to take the next step, we want to win those games, not just go to play them. This group can handle it, they know what it takes.”
Bottom line- Saint Joseph’s believes it has the roster and talent to play late into March.
“It was a great time to keep building off what we have,” Casey concluded. “It’s honestly so fun to be around everyone. Everyone’s a joy to lead. It’s great to be able to play with girls who know the system and we can just continue to build on it.”
Zac Weiss is a college athletics beat writer for Pittsburgh Sports Now, primarily reporting on Duquesne Athletics. Across his career, he has covered over 1,000 A10 sporting events.