A Playmaker with Proven Impact
Dallas Loughridge, a 5‑6 guard from Australia, has officially joined the University of Michigan’s women’s basketball team for the 2026‑27 season, adding a dynamic offensive weapon to the roster.
Coach Kim Barnes Arico highlighted Loughridge’s versatility, describing her as a skilled playmaker, scorer and decision‑maker who can elevate the team’s tempo and execution.
Loughridge arrives after a standout season with the Casey Cavaliers in the NBL1 South, where she averaged 25.5 points, 5.1 assists and 3.7 rebounds over 17 games. Her recent performance included a 38‑point outing with six rebounds, six assists and four steals against Diamond Valley, earning her NBL1 South Foot Locker Player of the Week honors for Round 11.
The guard’s accolades extend beyond club play. She was named the 2026 Betty Watson Breakout Player of the Year after a strong stint with the Adelaide Lightning, where she posted averages of 16.35 points, 3.96 assists and 3.35 rebounds per game.
International Experience and Future Impact
Loughridge represented Australia at the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup and the 2022 FIBA U18 Asian Championship Division A, contributing 9.3 points, 2.8 assists and 1.7 rebounds per game while helping the team secure a silver medal at the U19 World Cup and a gold medal at the U18 Asian championship.
Her addition signals Michigan’s intent to bolster recruiting pipelines beyond the United States, tapping into a talent pool that has already produced Olympic‑level talent. The Wolverines hope her playmaking ability will translate into more efficient offense and tighter defense in the upcoming season.
With Loughridge slated to arrive in Ann Arbor, the program expects a fresh infusion of skill and experience that could shift the competitive balance in the Big Ten. Fans will be watching closely as the guard integrates into the system and contributes to the team’s pursuit of conference contention.