Virginia Women's Basketball: Rebuilding the Roster for 2025-26

Apr 26, 2025 at 1:51 PM

The Virginia women's basketball team, under the guidance of Amaka Agugua-Hamilton, is undergoing significant roster adjustments as they prepare for the upcoming season. With numerous players departing via the transfer portal and others returning or joining the program, the Cavaliers are reshaping their lineup to address key areas of need, particularly in the frontcourt. This overhaul includes welcoming five new transfers, along with a freshman addition, while saying goodbye to eight players who have either exhausted their eligibility or chosen to transfer elsewhere.

In light of the departures, Virginia has lost nearly half of its playing time and a substantial portion of its scoring from the previous year. Among those leaving are standout performers like Latasha Lattimore, who was the team's second-highest scorer and top rebounder, and Edessa Noyan, another crucial frontcourt player. Their absences highlight the necessity for reinforcements in this area.

To counteract these losses, Virginia has prioritized size in their recruitment efforts, bringing in four transfers standing at least 6'2". Leading the charge is Adeang Ring, a 6'5" forward from Central Florida known for her promising potential. Additionally, Caitlin Weimar joins from NC State after an illustrious career at Boston University, where she excelled both offensively and defensively. Other notable additions include Romi Levy, a dynamic guard from Israel via South Florida; Sa’Myah Smith, a championship-winning forward from LSU; and Raiane Dias Dos Santos, a seasoned guard from Florida State.

Returning to bolster the backcourt is Kymora Johnson, whose impressive sophomore campaign earned her First-Team All-ACC honors. She will be joined by Paris Clark, Olivia McGhee, and Breona Hurd, all expected to contribute significantly next season. Jillian Brown, recovering from injury, and Yonta Vaughn, dealing with ongoing health issues, also remain part of the squad, adding depth and experience.

With these changes, Virginia aims to construct a competitive team capable of contending in the ACC. The new recruits bring diverse skills and experiences that should enhance the Cavaliers' overall performance. Fans eagerly anticipate how these pieces will fit together as the team progresses toward the 2025-26 season.