Who is staying and who may be leaving for Kentucky women’s basketball this offseason?
As the NCAA women’s basketball season winds down and teams begin to look toward the next year, rosters across the country are being restructured through departures and additions. The Kentucky Wildcats women’s basketball team is no different. Under the leadership of head coach Kyra Elzy, Kentucky has had a tumultuous 2024 season, filled with ups and downs. However, as the Wildcats look to rebuild and strengthen their program for the 2025-26 season, decisions must be made regarding which players will stay, which may leave, and how the program will address potential gaps in its roster.
The transfer portal has become a major part of college basketball in recent years, offering players the ability to move from one school to another. This has had a profound impact on rosters, and Kentucky’s women’s basketball team must navigate this shifting landscape carefully. For the Wildcats, this offseason presents opportunities and challenges alike. With several key players expected to return, and others potentially seeking new opportunities, the Wildcats’ roster will look quite different in the upcoming season.
In this article, we explore the current state of the Kentucky women’s basketball team as they face an offseason of changes. We’ll take a closer look at who is likely to stay, who may leave, and how head coach Kyra Elzy is working to shape her team for the 2025-26 season.
The Core of the Kentucky Women’s Basketball Team
Before diving into who may leave and who will remain, it’s important to assess the key players who are expected to stay and lead the team in the upcoming season. Despite a disappointing 2024 campaign, Kentucky has a solid group of players who have the potential to make a big impact moving forward.
Key Returnees: The Building Blocks for 2025-26
- Rhyne Howard (Guard/Forward)
One of the most important figures in Kentucky women’s basketball history, Rhyne Howard has been a star player for the Wildcats since her arrival. Although she has already made an impact at the collegiate level and is expected to enter the WNBA draft, her leadership and scoring ability are irreplaceable for Kentucky. The Wildcats will need to adjust to life without Howard, but her time with Kentucky has undeniably been a major factor in their success. - Jada Walker (Guard)
A crucial contributor on both ends of the floor, Jada Walker has shown she can be a major factor in Kentucky’s success. With her defensive prowess, playmaking ability, and scoring potential, she’s a player who is expected to be one of the pillars of the team in the 2025-26 season. Walker’s consistency and leadership could be essential as Kentucky looks to rebuild following a challenging 2024 season. - Ajae Petty (Forward)
Ajae Petty has proven to be a versatile player capable of making an impact inside and out. With her rebounding ability, toughness in the paint, and ability to stretch the floor, Petty provides Kentucky with much-needed flexibility in the frontcourt. As a veteran presence, Petty is expected to be a key figure in Kentucky’s success going forward. She is likely to remain with the Wildcats in the 2025-26 season and could become one of the leaders of the team. - Nyah Leveretter (Center)
Nyah Leveretter’s defensive ability and shot-blocking presence have made her a key player for the Wildcats in recent seasons. As the team’s primary rim protector, Leveretter plays an important role in Kentucky’s defensive schemes. If she continues to develop offensively and build on her solid defensive foundation, Leveretter could emerge as one of the most important players on the roster for the upcoming season. - Robyn Benton (Guard)
One of the more experienced players on the team, Robyn Benton’s scoring ability and leadership are important assets for Kentucky. Benton has proven herself to be a steady contributor, and her experience will be invaluable for a Kentucky team that will likely feature several younger players. Her ability to provide leadership on and off the court makes her a key returnee for the Wildcats in 2025-26.
Who May Be Leaving Kentucky Women’s Basketball?
While Kentucky does have several key players who are expected to return, there are also some uncertainties surrounding the futures of a few players. The transfer portal has already begun to affect many college programs, and it seems likely that Kentucky will face departures this offseason. Let’s take a closer look at which players could be leaving and why.
Potential Departures: The Transfer Portal and Graduation
- Treasure Hunt (Forward)
One of the most talked-about players in Kentucky’s program, Treasure Hunt has been a versatile forward who has shown promise throughout her time with the Wildcats. However, with Kentucky’s inconsistent season and Hunt’s struggles to consistently find a role on the team, there is speculation that she could explore opportunities through the transfer portal. Hunt’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor would make her an attractive option for other programs, and if she chooses to leave, it would be a notable departure for Kentucky. - Zariah Wiggins (Guard)
Zariah Wiggins is another player who has faced challenges in terms of consistent playing time. The talented guard, who transferred to Kentucky from a previous program, may be seeking more opportunities elsewhere if she feels her role in Kentucky’s system is limited. If Wiggins chooses to enter the transfer portal, it would be another hole for the Wildcats to fill in the backcourt. - Emma King (Guard)
Emma King has had moments of strong play during her time at Kentucky, but much of her time on the floor has been limited by injury and the competition at her position. If she does not feel she has a clear path to a prominent role in the Wildcats’ rotation for the 2025-26 season, there is a possibility that she could explore a transfer elsewhere in search of more playing time. King’s skill set as a perimeter shooter could make her an intriguing option for programs looking for a guard who can stretch the floor. - Erin Toller (Guard)
Another player who may be exploring the transfer portal is Erin Toller, who has had difficulty securing consistent playing time with the Wildcats. Toller has shown flashes of potential, but with the deep backcourt Kentucky already possesses, she may seek to find a program where she can contribute more immediately. The uncertainty surrounding her role in the upcoming season may push Toller to explore other options through the portal. - Chasity Patterson (Guard)
Although Chasity Patterson has been a key player for the Wildcats, particularly in her ability to score and handle the ball, there has been speculation about her future with the program. With Kentucky focusing on bringing in new talent and developing young players, Patterson could find her role diminished in the 2025-26 season. If she feels she could thrive elsewhere, she may look to transfer. However, her leadership and experience could prove to be valuable to the Wildcats in the upcoming season if she chooses to stay.
How the Transfer Portal Could Shape Kentucky’s Roster
The transfer portal presents both challenges and opportunities for Kentucky as they look to retool their roster for the 2025-26 season. Losing a few players could create holes in certain areas, but it could also open up scholarships for incoming players or new transfers. Kentucky has been active in recruiting through the transfer portal in recent years, and it is expected that Coach Kyra Elzy will continue to do so to fill gaps and strengthen the team.
If key players like Treasure Hunt, Zariah Wiggins, and Emma King decide to leave, Kentucky will need to target players who can contribute immediately. Specifically, the Wildcats may look to add depth in the guard and forward positions. Kentucky’s style of play requires versatility, and the team will likely target players who fit well into their fast-paced and up-tempo system.
Additionally, Kentucky has a strong history of attracting talented recruits, and the Wildcats’ reputation as a national contender could help them land players who are ready to make an impact right away. The combination of strategic transfers and incoming high school recruits will be essential to Kentucky’s success in the 2025-26 season.
What’s Next for Coach Kyra Elzy and the Wildcats?
Coach Kyra Elzy has her work cut out for her as the Wildcats navigate this offseason. Managing departures, addressing areas of need, and ensuring the team remains competitive in a strong SEC conference will be key to Kentucky’s future success. Elzy’s ability to balance recruiting and player development, as well as make the most of the transfer portal, will play a significant role in the Wildcats’ future trajectory.
Elzy has already established a culture of excellence at Kentucky, and while this offseason may bring uncertainty, it also brings new opportunities for growth. By focusing on adding key pieces through both recruiting and the transfer portal, the Wildcats can continue to compete at the highest level and remain one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball.
