North Carolina’s women’s basketball program has officially released its 2026‑27 roster, a blend of proven veterans and highly touted newcomers that promises to keep the Tar Heels among the nation’s elite. Coming off back‑to‑back Sweet 16 appearances, the team enters the new campaign with momentum and a clear vision to compete at the highest level.
The returning core features guards Jordan Zubich and Laila Hull, forward Ciera Toomey, and center Blanca Thomas, each of whom contributed key performances last season. Jordan Zubich appeared in 17 games as a sophomore, scoring a career‑high eight points twice and knocking down 10 total threes, while Laila Hull posted a career‑high 17 points off the bench against Pitt and hit a personal best of five threes. Nyla Brooks earned ACC All‑Freshman Team honors and the Tamika Catchings Award Watch List after a 21‑point outburst at Wake Forest, and Reniya Kelly dropped a career‑high 24 points in a win over Miami. Ciera Toomey started all 36 games, delivering a 19‑point effort against UNCG and a 15‑rebound performance at Georgia Tech.
Fresh Faces Bring New Energy
The newcomers include guards Gabby White, Sophie Burrows, Chloe Clardy, and Achol Akot, as well as forward Kate Harpring and early enrollee Noelle Bofia. Gabby White, a freshman, tallied double‑figure scoring in eight games and erupted for a career‑high 22 points in a three‑overtime victory over Wake Forest. Sophie Burrows arrives after three seasons at Syracuse, where she averaged 11.1 points per game as a junior. Achol Akot transferred from Oklahoma State and exploded for 28 points in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament against Princeton. Kate Harpring, the top recruit of the class of 2026 according to 247Sports, brings a storied high school career as Georgia’s all‑time leading scorer with 3,435 points. Chloe Clardy, a junior transfer from Stanford, has posted a career‑high 12.0 points per game and brings Pac‑12 experience to Chapel Hill. Noelle Bofia, an early enrollee from Xavier Prep, is rated No. 52 overall by ESPN.
Head coach Courtney Banghart expressed confidence that the mix of experience and talent will translate into a competitive schedule. "We have a solid foundation with our returning players, and the additions give us depth at every position," Banghart said in the roster announcement. The coaching staff also highlighted the program’s commitment to community engagement and academic excellence, reinforcing the university’s broader mission.
Fans can expect a challenging slate of games against traditional rivals such as Duke, Virginia, and Miami, as well as non‑conference matchups that will test the team’s depth. With the roster now set, the Tar Heels are poised to translate preseason optimism into on‑court success, aiming to add another deep tournament run to the program’s storied history.