For the first time in program history, the Providence Pilots women's basketball team is headed to the NCCAA Women's Basketball National Championship.
Providence has been awarded the NCCAA North Region At-Large selection following a historic 2025–26 season that saw the Pilots dominate conference play and capture multiple championships. The national tournament will take place March 11–14 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, marking a milestone moment for the program.
This appearance represents the first time Providence has qualified a basketball team for the NCCAA National Tournament.
Historic Season for the Pilots
Under first-year head coach Kendall Perpall, the Pilots put together one of the most successful seasons in program history.
Providence finished the regular season undefeated in MCAC play, establishing themselves as the conference's top team before going on to capture both the MCAC Women's Basketball Championship and the NIAC Women's Basketball Championship.
The Pilots' balanced lineup and strong defensive identity powered them throughout the year, with multiple players stepping up in key moments to deliver wins.
NCCAA North Central Regional Tournament
At the NCCAA North Central Regional Tournament, Providence entered the event with a first-round bye, advancing directly to the semifinals.
In the semifinal matchup, the Pilots faced Crown College in a tightly contested battle. Despite a strong effort, Providence ultimately fell 67-71, ending their regional title hopes but unknowingly keeping their national tournament aspirations alive.
Following the conclusion of regional play, the Pilots were officially notified that they were the North Region at-large representative, securing their place among the nation's top NCCAA programs.
National Tournament Matchup
Providence will enter the national tournament as the No. 8 seed and will begin play with a play-in game against No. 9 seed Emmaus University.
The winner of the play-in game will advance into the main bracket as teams compete for the national championship in Minneapolis.
Veteran Leadership and Emerging Talent
The Pilots' historic season has been driven by a strong mix of veteran leadership and exciting young talent.
Upperclassmen Sydney Last, Faith LaRoque, Fiona Garcia, and Adrian Alley have consistently delivered standout performances throughout the season, providing scoring, leadership, and experience for the squad.
Providence also welcomed an electrifying newcomer in Colby Darragh, who made an immediate impact in her first collegiate season. Darragh's impressive play earned her MCAC Rookie of the Year honours, adding another dynamic element to the Pilots' lineup.
Ready for the National Stage
With an undefeated conference season, two championship titles, and a historic national tournament berth, the Pilots are poised to represent Providence on the national stage.
As they prepare to tip off in Minneapolis, the team carries both momentum and the excitement of making program history.
The NCCAA Women's Basketball National Championship begins March 11, with Providence looking to continue its remarkable season against the nation's top competition. ??
