Butler Women Ranked 9th Nationally

The Butler women, who reached national quarterfinals a year ago, are ranked in the top 10 of the NJCAA Division I preseason poll for the upcoming season.

Butler's No. 9 ranking is the highest preseason ranking in school history for the Butler women.  On Monday, it was also released that the Grizzlies were picked third in the 2014-2015 Jayhawk Conference West Preseason Coaches' Poll, which was announced by the conference.

In addition to the polls being released, several Grizzlies were named to an NJCAA preseason watch list.  Sophomores, Ashley Gibson (Edmond, Okla.) and Kynadi Johnson(Dallas, Texas), garnered national attention by being named to the NJCAA preseason District F (Region VI) Top Returning Players list. Sophomore guard Katie Palmer (Wichita, Kan.) also earned a nod as the NJCAA Top 4-year Transfer for District F (Region VI).

Butler welcomes back 3 letterwinners from last year's squad that went 34-3 last season while winning an undefeated conference championship and advancing to the Elite 8 of the national tournament.

Reigning Jayhawk East Coach of the Year and KBCA Junior College Coach of the Year Mike Helmer leads the Grizzlies beginning his seventh season. The Grizzlies have won 60 games over the last two seasons and return the hardwood on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 2pm against Seminole State College inside the Power Plant in El Dorado.