Claudia Contell Joins TCU Women's Basketball
TCU women's basketball has secured the commitment of Spanish guard Claudia Contell for the 2026‑27 season, a move that adds a proven scorer and defender to a program that has reached the Elite Eight in back‑to‑back years. Contell arrives after a standout campaign with CB Gran Canaria, where she averaged 16.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game and earned MVP honors at the 2022 U20 European Championship.
The Horned Frogs will welcome Contell alongside a wave of fresh talent that includes Bella Hines, Lara Somfai, Jadyn Wooten, Lanie Grant, Camille Williams, Avery Hjemstadt, as well as returning standouts Clara Silva, Sarah Portlock and Clara Bielefeld. Australian guard Jessie‑May Hall and Belgian center Laura Vilcinskas are also set to join the squad, bolstering the depth chart ahead of the upcoming campaign.
A Roster Reinforced by Experience and Talent
TCU's recent track record includes Elite Eight appearances in the 2024‑25 and 2025‑26 seasons, and the program has already seen three of its players — Olivia Miles, Marta Suarez and Taylor Bigby — drafted in the 2026 WNBA Draft, while Hailey Van Lith and Madison Conner were selected in the 2025 edition.
A Strategic Addition
Coaches and analysts alike view the signing as a strategic step that could elevate the Horned Frogs' national profile. Contell's experience in the EuroLeague and her defensive versatility are expected to complement the existing mix of sharpshooters and playmakers, positioning TCU as a contender in the conference and beyond.
The addition of Contell also underscores the program's growing appeal on the international stage, drawing attention from fans across Spain, the United States and beyond. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging prospects, the team looks poised to build on its recent successes and aim for deeper runs in the NCAA tournament.