When Kelly Morrone stepped onto the practice floor at the University at Albany this spring, she inherited a program that had seen its roster evaporate. Only two players from the previous season returned, and the Great Danes are now building a new identity through a wave of transfers and fresh recruits.
A Surge of Transfers and Fresh Talent
The lone veterans, forward Lara Langermann and guard Emma Zuccon, provide a modest foundation of experience. Langermann averaged 7.4 points in the 2025‑26 campaign, while Zuccon contributed as a reliable backcourt option. Both will be joined by three newcomers who arrived from Merrimack College, a move that marks a pivotal shift in the team's composition.
Madison Roman, a standout forward who posted 13.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game for Merrimack, was initially committed to staying with her former program. After Morrone's arrival, Roman reversed her decision and chose Albany, citing the coach's vision of speed and aggression. She will be joined by Cadence Johnson and Daria Shishkina, both of whom bring additional depth and versatility to the roster.
The coaching staff has emphasized a style that prizes fast breaks, relentless pressure, and a scrappy defensive mindset. Morrone believes the blend of returning veterans and newly acquired talent can translate into a competitive edge, even as the team embraces an underdog narrative.
With seven fresh faces on the roster, the Great Danes are poised to defy preseason expectations. The blend of youthful energy and seasoned leadership aims to turn the program's recent upheaval into a catalyst for growth, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead.