Stanford opens its 2026-27 women’s basketball season with a Saturday exhibition against Pacific, beginning a two-game preseason slate. The Cardinal return three key contributors, welcome seven newcomers and enter the year with a young roster and a demanding nonconference schedule.

By the Numbers
  • Stanford leads Pacific 20-3 all-time in regular-season games and has won 11 straight.
  • The Cardinal roster has 12 players: four freshmen, four sophomores and four juniors.
  • Stanford’s nonconference schedule features five Power 4 opponents and five true road games.
Yes, But

The roster has no seniors or fifth-year players, leaving Stanford unusually young. Several returning players bring meaningful experience, including Hailee Swain, who earned ACC All-Freshman honors, and Alexandra Eschmeyer, who led the team in blocks.

State of Play
  • Pacific visits Maples Pavilion Saturday, Oct. 24, at 2 p.m.; Stanford hosts UC Santa Barbara on Oct. 28 for its second exhibition.
  • Seven newcomers join five returners, including three transfers and four freshmen.
  • Stanford’s five Power 4 opponents and five road games make its nonconference schedule among the toughest in the conference.
What’s Next

The exhibitions give Stanford a first look at how its returning contributors and new additions fit together before the regular season begins.

Bottom Line

Stanford’s early test is turning a young, reshaped roster into a cohesive team—while taking on a nonconference schedule built to challenge it from the start.