mad about hoop Madeline Kenney The big lessons learned from my first year as an AP Top 25 poll voter By Madeline Kenney Published March 6, 2026, 7:01 p.m. ET UConn guard Azzi Fudd (35) shoots a two-pointer during the first half of an NCAA women's college basketball game against St. John's, Sunday, March 1, 2026, in New York. AP Being an Associated Press Top 25 poll voter is not for the faint of heart.
It’s a privilege, of course, to be asked. But it’s also a great responsibility that comes with a lot of pressure.
Reporters’ plates are already loaded with the day-to-day tasks the job entails. Being a voter doesn’t come with a bonus check but instead opens the floor to more scrutiny and, in some cases, trolls.
Say goodbye to free Sunday nights and getting the recommended hours of rest to start the week. Voting requires one to watch dozens of women’s college basketball games each week and peruse articles on the ones you can’t catch.
