Grand Rapids Reporter

The Ferris State University women's basketball team has been ranked third in the final Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll. This marks the highest national ranking in the program's history. The announcement comes after Ferris State's historic season, which saw them reach the NCAA Division II National Semifinals.

The Bulldogs garnered 492 points from coaches nationwide, jumping 11 spots from their previous position at number 14. During the regular season, they had reached as high as fourth in the nation. In this final poll, Ferris State was ranked behind only Minnesota State, the national champion, and Texas Woman's University, the runner-up.

Ferris State is one of two schools from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) to appear in the top 25 of the final poll, with Grand Valley State also making it at ninth place. Another Midwest Region member, Ashland, was listed eighth. Notably, Ferris State defeated both Grand Valley State and Ashland during their successful run to win the Midwest Regional Championship.

Under the guidance of fourth-year head coach Kurt Westendorp, Ferris State concluded their 2023-24 season with a record-setting 26-6 overall performance. They claimed their first-ever Midwest Regional Championship title and advanced to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight for the first time before reaching the national semifinals.

Throughout this season, Ferris State defeated three teams that were ranked number one nationally at game time. This includes victories over Grand Valley State once and Ashland twice. Additionally, they triumphed over Grand Valley State when they were ranked second nationally during the Midwest Regional Championship game held in Allendale.