With the imminent opening of the transfer portal (Apr. 6-20), and the beginning of regular signing period (Apr. 15), fans of UCD Women’s Basketball can engage in some fantasy roster building for next year’s team. Good sites to hunt for the next Mackenzie Trpic or Tova Sabel are the On3 2025-26 Women's Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker (https://www.on3.com/her/news/on3-2025-26-womens-basketball-transfer-portal-tracker/) and the WBB Blog (https://wbbblog.com/).

With seniors Vic Baker, Nya Epps and Megan Norris graduating, there are production and leadership gaps to fill. Epps was a premier defensive presence on the perimeter, and developed into a dependable double digit scorer. Norris leaves as the best rebounder in school history, as well as a superior defender, reliable scorer and passer. Both were strong voices in the locker room and on the court. The Aggies also lose super-sub Baker, who always brought competitive fire and could play four positions.

Head Coach Jen Gross and her staff have solid building blocks returning, especially in the backcourt, with soon-to-be juniors Ryann Bennett and Avery Sussex. Both ranked near the top of the Big West in scoring, assists, and steals. With a year of starting and playing together behind them, the future should be even better. A third returning starter, transfer forward Tegan Young, improved her overall stat line relative to her first 2 seasons at Manhattan University, despite learning a new system and adjusting to the faster pace typical of play in the Big West.

Other returnees are forwards Emmy Ersdala and Theoni Tsami and guards Sophie Lentfer and Carrington Davis, all freshman this last year. Ersdala and Lentfer saw significant playing time in almost every game, and both showed flashes of the players they might become. Tsami and Davis saw fewer minutes, but showed promise.

Then there’s the question mark. Sahana Kanagasabay missed all of last season, reinjuring her knee in the opening game. Does Sahana return, and if so, how much can she contribute?

Finally, the 2026 recruiting class currently consists of post Marta Forsline, forward Rebecca Donnelly, and guards Anna Bassett, Layla Dixon and Taylor Hicks. With 2 additional scholarship spots available - 3 if Kanagasabay doesn’t return - UCD could add to their recruiting class.

One would think that a priority is at least one additional post player through the transfer portal - two if the plan is to redshirt Marta Forsline. Asking a freshman post to master the nuances of Jen Gross’ Princeton offense, as well Joe Terramoto’s team defensive concepts, and be a starter in the Mountain West would be a pretty big ask. And last seasons’ backup posts, Tegan Young and Theoni Tsami were adequate in VERY short relief of Norris, despite lack of size. They would be badly - and unfairly - overmatched in the Mountain West.

At the minimum, Davis would benefit from a bigger version of 2022-23 transfer forward Tess Sussman to give Forsline time to develop, as well as create some depth at the position. Sussman started all 30 games, averaged 7 points and 6 boards in 26 minutes a contest, and provided leadership. There are already some intriguing players in the portal, as well as others who’ve announced their intention to enter.