Seahawks Add Fresh Faces for 2026‑27 Campaign
The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s women’s basketball program announced a significant addition to its 2026‑27 roster, welcoming freshman guard Jazlyn Bowman and graduate forward Naylee Cortes. Head coach Nicole Woods highlighted the duo’s complementary skill sets, emphasizing that both players will add depth and versatility to a squad poised for a strong season.
Bowman arrives after a standout high school career in Orlando, where she honed her shooting and playmaking abilities while leading her team to multiple district titles. Her reputation as a clutch scorer and reliable free‑throw shooter precedes her, setting expectations for an immediate impact.
Bowman’s High‑School Accolades
During her four‑year varsity stint at Plant High School and Windermere Prep, Bowman earned first‑team all‑district, all‑metro and all‑city honors, and she helped her clubs capture two district championships and three regional appearances. She capped her senior year by shooting 77 percent from the free‑throw line, tying the single‑game three‑point record on three occasions, and setting a school record for most three‑pointers in a season. Woods described her as a versatile player with an uncanny ability to put the ball in the basket.
Her shooting precision and basketball IQ are expected to stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities for teammates.
Cortes Brings Championship Pedigree
Cortes comes to Wilmington after a distinguished stint at the College of Charleston, where she appeared in 19 games last season, contributing 31 points, 26 rebounds and 13 steals. A graduate student, she brings not only statistical production but also a championship mindset honed during her high school years at Central Pointe Christian Academy, where she captained a team that captured the 2021 SIAA title.
Her international experience includes representing the Colombian National Team from 2018 to 2020, and she was recognized as SIAA Player of the Year and first‑team all‑SIAA in 2021. Woods praised Cortes for her defensive intensity and team‑first mentality, noting that her championship pedigree will elevate the squad’s competitive edge.
With Bowman’s scoring versatility and Cortes’s defensive presence, the Seahawks aim to blend youthful energy with seasoned leadership as they prepare for the upcoming campaign. The additions reflect a strategic push to deepen the roster and maintain momentum built over recent seasons.