KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tennessee Southern continues to gain national traction in the latest NAIA Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll, earning 35 points after one of the most impactful stretches in recent program history.

The Firehawks' rise comes on the heels of a statement victory over previously unbeaten and then-No. 1 Bethel (Tenn.), handing the Wildcats their first loss since the 2024–25 NAIA National Semifinals. The win marked UT Southern's first victory over a top-ranked team in the modern era (since 2006–07) and further solidified the Firehawks as a team demanding national attention.

UT Southern has now strung together an extended winning streak behind elite defensive play and balanced scoring, positioning itself among a crowded group just outside the Top 25. The Firehawks were last ranked nationally in January of 2020, when the program—then competing as Martin Methodist—appeared at No. 24 and No. 25 during the month.

Nationally, Dordt (Iowa) remains No. 1 in the fourth edition of the poll with 561 points, while Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) surged three spots to No. 2 after improving to 19–1. Bethel (Tenn.) slid to No. 3 following its loss at Tennessee Southern, and Campbellsville (Ky.) and Marian (Ind.) rounded out the top five.

As the season moves deeper into conference play, UT Southern's defensive identity, marquee wins, and growing national recognition continue to fuel momentum, with the Firehawks firmly in the conversation as one of the NAIA's most dangerous unranked teams.

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