
Maureen Hirt - The Unranked Team That Took Over Division III Basketball
Under fourth-year head coach Maureen Hirt, Denison reached the top of Division III women's basketball, capturing the first national championship in program history. The Big Red put together a remarkable 30-2 season, setting a program record for wins and capping it off with a 55-41 victory over previously undefeated Scranton in the national championship game. In just four seasons at the helm, Hirt has helped transform Denison into a national champion. Denison's championship run was even more impressive considering the Big Red entered the season unranked in the preseason polls, becoming the first Division III women's basketball team since the 2008-09 season to go from unranked to national champion. Their success was built around an aggressive full-court press that consistently disrupted opponents and created opportunities in transition. Denison averaged 12 steals and forced nearly 20 turnovers per game, while holding opponents to just 55.9 points per contest. That defensive identity, paired with a team that averaged 75.2 points per game, helped separate the Big Red from teams across the country. Now, Denison enters the 2026-27 season as the preseason No. 1 team in the country and has already gotten off to a 2-0 start. With all five starters returning from the championship group, expectations are understandably high, and the pressure to repeat will be something the Big Red must embrace. For Hirt, though, the opportunity to defend a national championship with an experienced group is a challenge she welcomes. Available wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe @Notevend2 Enjoy the episode!










