Royals Picked Third in AAC Preseason Poll, Poised for Another Strong Season

Royals Picked Third in AAC Preseason Poll, Poised for Another Strong Season
October 23, 2025

As the Johnson University Royals women's basketball team gears up for the 2025–26 season, anticipation is high for what promises to be another competitive campaign in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). Under the guidance of Head Coach Bryon Lawhon, the Royals are coming off a historic year in which they were co-champions of the AAC regular season, and they now enter the new year hungry to build on that success.

In the AAC Preseason Coaches Poll, the Royals were selected to finish third, earning 155 total points and two first-place votes. Pikeville claimed the top spot with 172 points and six first-place votes, followed closely by Milligan with 166 points and four first-place votes. The poll featured 13 total voters from across the conference.

Coach Lawhon shared his excitement about this year's team and the challenging schedule ahead:

"Very excited about this team and its potential this season. Being co-champions of the regular season last year and coming in pre season #3, we have some ground to gain and things to accomplish. We are playing a tough national schedule this year. Starting the season vs the #2 & #3 teams in the nation back to back games will be an eye opener for our young and new kids. I think as the season goes along, this team will grow and continue to work towards its ultimate potential. Looking forward to the marathon."

The Royals return several key players who made major impacts last season, while adding an impressive recruiting class expected to contribute immediately.

Key Returners:

  • Jordan Heifner (Sr): 1st Team All-AAC, AAC All-Defensive Team

  • Emery Baragona (So): AAC All-Freshman Team

  • Megan Biliter (So): AAC All-Freshman Team

Key Newcomers:

With a strong mix of proven veterans and talented newcomers, the Royals look poised to compete at a high level once again. Their blend of experience, depth, and determination positions them as a legitimate contender in the AAC and a team to watch on the national stage this season.