West Point, NY – Army West Point women’s basketball received a significant boost of confidence Thursday as junior captain Fiona Hastick was named to the Preseason All-Patriot League Team, while the Black Knights earned a second-place projection in the conference’s preseason poll.
The recognition marks the Black Knights highest preseason ranking since before the 2017-18 season, when the program was selected first. With less than three weeks until tipoff, the Black Knights are positioning themselves as legitimate contenders in what promises to be a competitive Patriot League race.
Hastick Emerges as Conference Elite
Hastick, a 6-foot guard/forward from Reston, Virginia, has established herself as one of the conference’s most versatile players entering her junior campaign. Her sophomore season showcased the complete skill set that earned her preseason recognition.
The two-year captain appeared in all 33 games for Army during the 2024-25 season, logging 1,067 minutes—second-most on the team. She averaged 10.9 points per game while recording 20 double-figure scoring performances, including a season-high 22 points in the opening round of the WNIT against Bryant.
But Hastick’s impact extends far beyond the scoring column. She finished second on the team with 86 assists, including a career-high seven helpers against Loyola Maryland on January 8. Her court vision and playmaking ability have become essential components of Army’s offensive system.
On the glass, Hastick averaged 4.4 rebounds per game and recorded five or more boards in 13 contests. Her season-high rebounding performance came against Mount St. Mary’s, demonstrating her willingness to battle in the paint despite facing larger opponents.
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- Army Women’s Soccer Claims Historic 400th Program Win, Advances to Patriot League Semifinals
- Army Travels Up to Buffalo to Begin November Schedule Against Canisius
Defensive Anchor
Perhaps most impressive is Hastick’s defensive versatility. She led the Black Knights with 22 blocks last season. Five more than the next closest teammate, while recording at least one rejection in 15 games. She also contributed 36 steals, third-most on the squad. Proving her ability to disrupt opposing offenses both in the paint and on the perimeter.
Her defensive prowess and two-way consistency caught the attention of conference coaches, who selected her as one of just five players on the Preseason All-Patriot League Team. She joins Navy’s Zanai Barnett-Gay (the preseason Player and Defensive Player of the Year), Colgate’s Anne Bair, Holy Cross’s Kaitlyn Flanagan, and Loyola Maryland’s Lex Therien on the prestigious list.
Black Knights Poised for Championship Push
Army collected 68 points in the preseason poll and received two first-place votes, tied with Navy for the second-most in the conference. Only Navy, which garnered 71 points and two first-place votes, was picked ahead of the Black Knights.
The projection reflects the program’s momentum following a breakthrough 2024-25 campaign that saw Army win 25 games, advance to the Patriot League Championship game, and earn a berth in the WNIT. Ten players return from that squad, providing continuity and championship experience.
First-year head coach Katie Kuester inherits a program primed for success. Hastick will share captaincy duties with senior guard Reese Ericson for the second consecutive season, providing veteran leadership as Army navigates a challenging conference schedule.
Conference Landscape
The Patriot League appears wide open this season, with five teams receiving first-place votes in the preseason poll. Loyola Maryland (63 points, three first-place votes) sits third, followed by Holy Cross (60 points, two first-place votes) and Lehigh (57 points, one first-place vote).
Colgate, Bucknell, and Boston University round out the middle of the pack, while Lafayette and American are projected to finish ninth and tenth, respectively.
Navy’s Barnett-Gay enters the season as the unanimous favorite for individual honors, earning preseason Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year recognition. The junior guard will be Army’s primary competition in the race for conference supremacy.
Season Opener Approaching
The Black Knights will open their 2025-26 campaign at home on November 3 when they host Pace at Christl Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m., marking the beginning of what could be a historic season for Army women’s basketball.
With Hastick leading a veteran-laden roster and Kuester bringing fresh energy to the sideline, Army has all the pieces in place to challenge for its first Patriot League title since 2017. The preseason accolades are nice, but for this group, the real work begins when the ball is tipped in three weeks.
2025-26 Patriot League Women’s Basketball Preseason Poll
- Navy – 71 points (2 first-place votes)
- Army West Point – 68 (2)
- Loyola Maryland – 63 (3)
- Holy Cross – 60 (2)
- Lehigh – 57 (1)
- Colgate – 34
- Bucknell – 33
- Boston University – 32
- Lafayette – 21
- American – 11
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