The University of Pennsylvania’s women’s basketball program is undergoing a significant rebuild ahead of the upcoming season, as it welcomes two new transfers from the portal.
Candice Lienafa, a 5‑foot‑11 junior forward who previously starred at Davidson College, arrives with a reputation for high‑energy play and scoring versatility. In her most recent season, she averaged 4.8 points and 2.9 rebounds per game while shooting 37.6 % from the field and an impressive 70.2 % from the free‑throw line.
Lienafa’s impact extended beyond raw numbers; she was named to the Atlantic 10 All‑Rookie team after contributing 236 points and helping Davidson finish the year with a 21‑12 record and a 12‑6 mark in conference play.
Joining her is Christina Pham, a 5‑foot‑6 guard from Fairfield University. Pham appeared in 28 games last season, posting 5.1 points per game and shooting 36.6 % from the field with a 37.5 % success rate from three‑point range. Her accolades include being named the 2024‑25 Gatorade Massachusetts Player of the Year, a testament to her high school dominance and continued growth.
A Roster in Transition
The Quakers lost six players, including two starters, to graduation and the transfer portal, leaving a void in both experience and production. Their previous campaign yielded a 7‑7 record in Ivy League play and, for the first time in four years, they failed to qualify for the Ivy Madness tournament.
Coach Mike McLaughlin has spoken candidly about the team’s new direction, describing Lienafa as a “high‑energy, competitive player with a relentless motor” and Pham as a “versatile, tough‑nosed guard” who will add depth and toughness to the lineup.
McLaughlin believes the blend of Lienafa’s interior presence and Pham’s perimeter skill set will help the Quakers improve their conference standing and achieve greater consistency. The coaching staff is optimistic that the newcomers can help the program return to tournament contention.
Looking Ahead
With the addition of Lienafa and Pham, Penn hopes to close the gap in the Ivy League and re‑establish itself as a competitive force. The team’s success will likely hinge on how quickly the new players integrate with returning veterans and how effectively the coaching staff can harness their diverse skill sets.
Fans and alumni alike are watching closely as the Quakers prepare for the upcoming season, hopeful that the fresh talent will translate into more wins and a return to the postseason.