MELBOURNE, Fla. – In its annual preseason coaches' poll, the Sunshine State Conference selects the Nova Southeastern University women's basketball team to win its third consecutive regular season championship. The Sharks received 57 total votes and two of nine first place votes. NSU won the SSC 2015-16 regular season by posting a 13-3 conference record for the second straight year.
 
Entering her sixth season as head coach, LeAnn Freeland-Curry is ready to begin the 2016-17 season with the top-ranked honor. "Our goal is always to be the best team we can be every day," explained Freeland-Curry. "We focus daily on the areas we need to improve and maintain a growth mindset throughout the season without putting so much emphasis on outcomes."
 
Three votes separate the Sharks from Florida Southern College. The Moccasin's received 51 votes and four first-place votes. Florida Tech sits third in the poll with 51 total votes and two first-place votes. The University of Tampa, last year's SSC championship tournament winner, received the final first-place vote and 49 total votes, while Rollins rounded out the Top Five with 32 votes.
 
The Sharks finished the 2015-16 season ranked No. 21 with an overall record of 24-7 (13-3 SSC). Despite falling to Tampa in the semi-final round of the Sunshine State Conference Tournament, the Sharks earned their fourth straight post-season berth to the NCAA Tournament. After a win in the quarterfinals over Delta State, the Sharks' season ended in the South Region Semis when second-seeded Benedict topped NSU, 69-57.
 
NSU will look toward returning guard Taylor Buie, the second-highest scorer in 2015-16, to help drive the offense along with a number of strong newcomers. "Our team chemistry has evolved well in the pre-season," said Freeland-Curry. "With the addition of five newcomers, our nine returning players made it a point to welcome them to our program and help them get acclimated to our style of play.  All players have been very coachable and our team energy has been consistently positive and focused."   
 
The Sharks start their 2016-17 campaign hosting the annual NSU Tipoff Classic, starting with Delta State on Nov. 11 before taking on No. 9 Union (Tenn.) on Nov. 12.
"Our staff has been excited to see the effort of this team and eager to see the improvement from day to day," concluded Freeland-Curry. "Our players have a true passion for basketball and individual development, which will serve us well throughout the season."
 
2016 - 17 SSC WOMENS BASKETBALL PRESEASON POLL

Rank 1 2 3 4 5 T6 T6 8 9

School (FPV) Nova Southeastern (2) Florida Southern (4) Florida Tech (2) Tampa (1) Rollins Barry Eckerd Saint Leo Lynn

Total Votes 57 54 51 49 32 29 29 13 10