WBB Departures and Returners -- TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Women's Basketball Returners and Departures

Now that we have concluded the season for Louisville women's basketball, we can start to prepare for offseason changes.

On the coaching side, there have not been any rumors or hints about departures. We also haven't seen any assistant coaches on watch lists to taking head coaching positions elsewhere. The current coaching staff should be sound next season and will be hard at work for recruitment and NIL opportunities.

Departures

As of this time, the only known departures are those graduating. Olivia Cochran and Merissah Russell both played all five years with the Cards. Cochran saw heavy minutes and had a starting role for a majority of her tenure. Russell played a bit more of a reserve role but provided veteran leadership in her later years.

Jayda Curry spent her final two seasons with the Cards and played a point guard and shooting guard role during her time. She went out with a band, scoring a career-high 41 points in her final game.

Ja'Leah Williams used her final year of eligibility at Louisville after four seasons at Miami. She was brought in to provide experience and be another ball handler for the Cards. She also proved to be one of the better defenders.

Returners

As of right now, all other players are expected to return for Louisville. As the transfer portal opens up and other schools throw NIL money out there, we could possibly so a player or two decide to leave. Only time will tell there.

The current returners are:

Nyla Harris, junior, forward

Elif Istanbulluoglu, sophomore, forward

Eseosa Imafidon, redshirt freshman, center

Izela Arena, freshman, guard

Imari Berry, freshman, guard

Mackenly Randolph, freshman, forward

Rebekah Graves, freshman, guard

Anaya Hardy, freshman, forward

Isla Juffermans, freshman, forward

Reagan Bender, freshman, guard

Tajianna Roberts, freshman, guard

I'd expect to see Walz and Co go after a veteran or two in the portal to help develop this young squad. Most likely, we will see Louisville go after a true point guard in the portal to help be the on court general.

There are some new faces that have committed to the Cards that will join in the fall including 6'5 forward Grace Mbugua and 5'9 guard Peyton Bradley. 

2025 NCAA Pick 'Em Update

After the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament, the field is still close in the CC Pick 'Em Challenge. Here's how things look as we head into the Sweet 16. 

Thanks,

Jared