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WNPA 2025–26 Season Preview: Power Rankings

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The Women’s National Preparatory Association (WNPA) has quickly grown into the heartbeat of Canadian girls’ basketball. This league isn’t just about games — it’s where future stars sharpen their game under the brightest lights in the country.

The WNPA has become the launchpad for Canada’s next wave of women’s basketball stars. This league produces more than just NCAA commits — it’s shaping future WNBA picks, USPORTS leaders, JUCO sleepers, and international pros.

The 2025–26 season promises to be the most competitive yet. The defending champions at Royal Crown carry the target on their back, Niagara Prep and Fort Erie are stacked with firepower, and Kings Christian is as steady as ever. Meanwhile, hungry programs like St. Jude and C.O.D.E Sports Academy are out to prove they belong in the conversation, while Notre Dame, EDGE, and Sacred Heart bring their own brand of grit, youth, and flair to the table.

This isn’t just prep basketball. It’s a showcase of the country’s best — every single night.

1. Royal Crown Academy – The Standard of Excellence

Head Coach Lee Anna Osei has built Royal Crown into the undisputed powerhouse of the WNPA. The reigning champions enter 2025–26 with a target on their back, but also with the confidence and swagger of a team that knows what it takes to win it all.

Royal Crown doesn’t just beat opponents — they impose their will. Their roster is stacked with size, shooting, defensive versatility, and experience at the highest levels of competition. From national team standouts to NCAA commits, they set the pace for Canadian prep basketball, and every other team in the league measures itself against them.

Players to Watch

  • Yohana Fami (2026, SF, 6’3”, Pitt commit) – The centerpiece of the dynasty. A complete player who dominates as a scorer, facilitator, and defender.

  • Eunicia Salgado (2025, SF, 6’2”, Boston College commit) – A dynamic wing who scores at all three levels and thrives defensively.

  • Emerald Nnani (2026, F/C, 6’3”) – The anchor inside. Her rebounding, rim protection, and strength in the paint allow Royal Crown to control games.

  • Chance Berry (2027, G/F, 5’10”) – Already one of Canada’s most exciting young stars. Fearless, explosive, and battle-tested.

  • Akeila Bailey (2027, G, 5’9”) – A poised guard who thrives in big moments. Bailey’s maturity and consistency give Royal Crown steady backcourt leadership.

  • Amaya Robinson (2025, G, 5’6”) – A flamethrower from deep. Robinson can take over games with her range and confidence. Has multiple D1 offers (Dayton, Arizona State, USC and more).

Royal Crown has the championship DNA, the star power, and the depth to defend their crown — and remain the team everyone is chasing.

2. Niagara Prep – The Challenger

Under Coach David Picton, Niagara Prep has established itself as a model of toughness and consistency. They play with balance across all five positions and thrive in high-pressure moments.

What truly sets Niagara apart this season is their depth of NCAA-bound talent — with more Division I commits than any other team in the WNPA. They also return the first-ever WNPA MVP, giving them both history and firepower. Niagara is physical, disciplined, and confident — the exact traits of a championship team.

Players to Watch

  • Kylie Sooley (2026, F/C, 6’3”, UMass commit) – A true anchor inside. Sooley’s rebounding, rim protection, and presence in the paint make her the backbone of Niagara’s defense.

  • Arianna Turla (2026, Wing, 6’1”, Florida Gulf Coast commit) – A versatile wing who can stretch the floor and finish inside. Turla’s size and athleticism add another scoring option on the perimeter.

  • Jordyn Wheeler (2026, G/F, 6’0”, Stanford commit) – The first-ever WNPA MVP (2024–25). Wheeler is a star who dominates on both ends and sets the cultural tone for Niagara.

  • Kaylen Sta. Maria (2026, PG, 5’8”, Rice commit) – The motor of the team. Quick, fearless, and confident, she pushes the tempo and creates for others.

  • Soreya Yilmaz (2026, G, 5’7”, Saint Peter’s commit) – A steady guard who spaces the floor and defends with intensity.

  • Lexi Wee (2027, G, 5’6”) – A young guard who adds grit, strength, and hustle.

With five NCAA Division I commits and the reigning MVP, Niagara has the deepest roster in the league — and the talent to bring home a title.

3. Fort Erie International Academy – The International Powerhouse

Coach Handel Kipp has built Fort Erie into one of the most intriguing and dangerous programs in Canada. This year’s roster is as diverse as it gets, with talent pulled from across Europe, China, and Canada. The blend of international experience and homegrown toughness gives Fort Erie a unique identity — and the ability to compete with anyone, anywhere.

What makes Fort Erie so scary is their versatility and depth. They can go big with size in the frontcourt, they can run small and fast in transition, and they always have multiple scoring options on the floor. This isn’t just a team built to compete — it’s a team that could easily win it all.

Players to Watch

  • Aisha Grace Van Stein (2028, Wing, 6’4”, Netherlands) – The elder Van Stein sister. Aisha dominates the interior with rebounding and rim protection, while adding scoring touch around the basket.

  • Amelia Sow (2027, Wing, 6’1”) – One of the top 2027 prospects in the country. Sow plays with confidence, skill, and polish far beyond her years.

  • Naima Faith Van Stein (2027, G, 6’0”, Netherlands) – The younger Van Stein sister. A versatile perimeter guard who stretches defenses with her size and skill. Together with Aisha, they form one of the league’s most unique duos.

  • Camille Pangonis (2026, F, 5’11”) – A do-it-all forward who rebounds, defends, and makes winning plays.

  • Danyelle London (2026, G, 5’6”) – Explosive and fearless. London pushes the pace and thrives attacking bigger defenders at the rim.

Depth pieces like Lisa Sirgi (2027, G), Portia Reisen (2028, F), and Bowie Li (2030, G, China) only strengthen Fort Erie’s already dangerous rotation.

4. Kings Christian Collegiate – The Steady Force

With Coach Eric Bulthuis at the helm, Kings Christian remains one of the most consistent programs in the league. They bring a mix of size, toughness, and guard play that allows them to compete year after year. Kings doesn’t rely on flash — they rely on discipline, structure, and team basketball, making them a steady presence in the WNPA.

Players to Watch

  • Emma Donglemans (2026, F/C, 6’5”) – A towering interior force. Dominates the glass and protects the rim.

  • Riley Collinson (2026, F, 6’4”) – A strong forward who provides rebounding and toughness.

  • Alex Newson (2026, G, 5’10”, Albany commit) – A composed, reliable scorer who keeps the backcourt steady.

  • Gaby Morash (2026, G, 5’5”) – Small but tough. Brings energy, IQ, and defensive hustle every game.

5. St. Jude’s Academy – The Risers

Coach Kenny Manning enters year two with a faster, taller, and more athletic roster. St. Jude plays with urgency, thrives in transition, and doesn’t back down from anyone. Manning’s focus on defensive pressure and attacking pace makes this group dangerous, especially as they continue to grow together.

Players to Watch

  • Ashlynn Krause (2027, F, 6’2”) – A mobile forward with natural timing on blocks. Brings size and scoring touch inside.

  • Silvana Maldonado (2026, G, 5’8”) – A relentless guard who presses the ball full court and loves finishing through contact.

  • Miriam Henriques (2026, PG, 5’7”) – The team’s general. She organizes the offense, embraces tough defensive matchups, and leads with her voice.

6. C.O.D.E Sports Academy – The Grit Squad

Coach Asia Brown has instilled a toughness and competitive edge that defines C.O.D.E Sports Academy. Entering just their second WNPA season, C.O.D.E has already developed a reputation as one of the hardest-fighting teams in the league. They may not have the deepest roster, but what they lack in numbers, they make up for in grit, discipline, and effort. Every possession is a battle, and C.O.D.E thrives on making games uncomfortable for their opponents.

Players to Watch

  • Beatriz Pereira (2026, F/C, 6’5”) – A Spanish post presence who gives Code size and control in the paint. Pereira finishes efficiently around the rim and provides defensive stability.

  • Emmanuelle Broude (2026, Wing, 6’1”, Wofford commit) – A rugged wing who can score at all three levels. Broude combines strength and skill, playing with a fearless mentality that perfectly reflects Code’s identity.

C.O.D.E isn’t just here to participate — they’re here to disrupt. Every game they play turns into a test of toughness.

7. Notre Dame Hounds – The Builders

From Saskatchewan, the Notre Dame Hounds represent growth, development, and resilience. Under Coach Marc Ffrench, the Hounds are steadily building a foundation that will make them a long-term force in the WNPA. They take pride in hard work, discipline, and regional pride — embodying the prairie mentality of grinding out results and improving year after year.

This team blends local talent with international recruits, giving them a unique identity. Notre Dame may not yet have the accolades of the top-tier programs, but they’re laying brick by brick a structure that could carry them into future contention.

Players to Watch

  • Karina Desiatynk (2028, F, 6’2”, Ukraine) – A long, athletic forward who anchors the defense with rim protection and rebounding.

  • Severyn Ferrara Horne (2026, G, 6’0”) – A strong guard who adds scoring punch and defensive intensity.

  • Anna Vavryk (2027, F, 6’0”, Ukraine) – A versatile wing scorer with perimeter touch and creativity.

  • Mya Regier (2026, PG, 5’5”) – The team captain and voice. Tough, steady, and dependable under pressure.

8. EDGE SCHOOL – The Youth Movement

From Calgary, Coach Jhony Verrone has built EDGE into one of the most exciting up-and-coming programs in the WNPA. Though young, they play with fearlessness and creativity. EDGE represents the growing Alberta pipeline, proving Calgary talent belongs on the national stage. Their blend of length and flair makes them unpredictable and dangerous.

Players to Watch

  • Avery Zulak (2028, Wing, 6’3”) – A long, skilled wing who plays with poise. Already drawing national attention for her size and skill.

  • Sadie Secord (2027, Wing, 6’1”) – A tough competitor who scores in multiple ways and impacts both ends.

  • Skye Bergen (2028, G, 5’9”) – A creative guard with flair, playmaking ability, and confidence beyond her years.

  • Kadie Anderson (2026, PG) – The steady hand of the backcourt. A confident point guard with range and composure.

9. Sacred Heart – The Future

Based in Montreal and coached by Shawn and Nora Bowen, Sacred Heart may be young, but they play with passion, toughness, and resilience. The Bowens have built a family-first program that reflects their values — and that family connection extends onto the court, where their daughters lead the charge. Sierra and Annabelle Bowen, sisters and daughters of the coaching staff, form the heart of Sacred Heart’s future.

While they may be one of the youngest programs in the WNPA, Sacred Heart competes with fearlessness and hunger. They’re not just learning — they’re laying the groundwork to grow into a program that can surprise opponents and climb the league ladder in the seasons ahead.

Players to Watch

  • Sierra Bowen (2028, PG, 6’1”) – The elder Bowen sister. A tall, composed point guard with shooting touch, vision, and a calm leadership style.

  • Massaran Cherif (2029, G, 5’10”) – A high-energy guard who thrives attacking downhill, rebounds aggressively, and brings defensive intensity.

  • Annabelle Bowen (2030, G, 5’10”) – The youngest Bowen sister. Adaptable and versatile, she already shows the ability to score, rebound, and create for others despite her youth.

Sacred Heart’s story is one of growth and family — a foundation built on trust, development, and the unique bond between coaches and their daughters.

Outlook

The 2025–26 WNPA season is defined by rivalries, rising stars, and elite coaching. Royal Crown enters as the reigning champions and the standard for excellence. Niagara Prep boasts the league’s deepest roster, with the first-ever WNPA MVP in Jordyn Wheeler. Fort Erie, with its global roster and versatility, has the firepower to win it all.

Kings Christian remains steady and disciplined, while St. Jude is a program on the rise with energy and speed. C.O.D.E Sports Academy embodies grit and disruption, while Notre Dame is laying foundations as The Builders. EDGE represents Alberta’s growing pipeline with youthful flair, and Sacred Heart is building a future rooted in family.

One thing is certain: every game in the WNPA will feel like a showcase.

Editorial Staff

Editorial

Editorial Staff

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