UC Santa Barbara's women's basketball program is entering a pivotal season under head coach Renee Jimenez, who has announced a sweeping roster overhaul that brings eight new athletes into the fold. The move is designed to give star forward Zoe Borter a realistic chance at capturing a Big West Championship before she departs, while also building depth for the years ahead.
A Strategic Roster Overhaul
The incoming class features four transfers from the NCAA Transfer Portal — Olivia Anderson, Mauriana Hashemian‑Orr, Naomy Zonzon‑Huyghe and Nicole Steiner — each bringing distinct skills. Anderson, a 6‑foot‑3 forward from Washington, adds size and versatility, while Hashemian‑Orr and Zonzon‑Huyghe bolster defensive intensity. Steiner will help fill the void left by Olivia Bradley’s recent transfer. In addition, four high‑school recruits — Karisma Torres, Ava Albanese, Sarah Heyn and Charlotte Lipkin — join the program, each with impressive individual accolades.
Retaining the Core
Borter’s return is the centerpiece of Jimenez’s plan. Last season she averaged 15.1 points per game and shot 41.3 percent from three‑point range, numbers that attracted interest from several power‑conference programs. By keeping her, the Gauchos hope to translate her scoring prowess into conference success.
Another key piece is returning forward Maddie Naro, who underwent shoulder surgery but is expected to be fully ready for the upcoming campaign, further stabilizing the frontcourt.
Defensive Depth
The team’s defensive capabilities should see a marked improvement thanks to the arrivals of Zonzon‑Huyghe and Hashemian‑Orr, whose tenacity on the perimeter is already being highlighted in early practices.
Future Outlook
Beyond immediate on‑court impact, Jimenez is emphasizing player development and retention, aiming to turn the new talent into a cohesive unit that can compete consistently in the Big West and beyond.