The West Virginia women's basketball program is entering a period of transition, with the roster largely composed of newcomers who arrived via the transfer portal and a single high‑school recruit.
Only guards Gia Cooke and Madison Parrish return from the previous season, leaving the rest of the lineup reshaped by a flurry of moves orchestrated by head coach Mark Kellogg.
Kellogg, who guided the Mountaineers to a Big 12 tournament championship and an NCAA regional appearance last year, had to rebuild the team quickly as key players departed and new commitments arrived.
Among the arrivals is Duquesne sophomore guard Alexis Bordas, a three‑time West Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year who grew up in Wheeling and brings a deep familiarity with the state's basketball culture.
Forging Chemistry Off the Court
The team has begun to knit together through informal gatherings, from a "Love Island" watch party to sessions led by the program's psychologist, fostering a sense of unity beyond the court.
Some of the transfers share prior experience against the Mountaineers, including UCF’s Khyala Ngodu and BYU’s Marya Hudgins, which has accelerated the learning curve for everyone.
During summer workouts, the players are spending time mastering each other's names and playing styles, a small but essential step toward on‑court cohesion.
Kellogg remains confident that the blend of talent, local roots, and shared history can replicate the success that earned the team a conference title and a regional hosting role.