Kansas women's basketball is reshaping its roster for the upcoming season, bringing in three transfer signees who promise to reinforce the team's defensive intensity, ball‑handling precision and overall toughness. The move comes after a 22‑14 campaign that fell just short of the NCAA tournament, and the coaching staff believes the new additions will address the gaps in defense, ballhandling and grit.
A Coach's Vision
Coach Brandon Schneider says the newcomers are expected to elevate the Jayhawks' competitiveness, drawing on their proven track records at Southern, Colorado and Xavier. He highlighted Cunningham's ability to defend on the ball and play multiple guard positions, Gooden's defensive versatility and perimeter IQ, and Noel's scoring threat from all three levels.
Mykayla Cunningham arrives as a versatile combo‑guard celebrated for her on‑ball defense and playmaking, while Erianna Gooden brings a gritty, multi‑positional defensive skill set and sharp perimeter IQ. Mariyah Noel, a three‑level scorer with length and athleticism, is expected to contribute immediately.
Key returners such as guard S’Mya Nichols, forward Jaliya Davis and forward Regan Williams give the team continuity, and Schneider expects their experience to mesh with the new talent while the program retains roughly 70 percent of its offensive output.
The Jayhawks, who reached the WBIT semifinals last year and finished 22‑14, are targeting a return to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2024, hoping the blend of veteran leadership and fresh energy will translate into sustained success on the national stage.