A Fresh Look for the Mean Green
The University of North Texas women's basketball program is set to welcome seven new faces for the upcoming season, a move that promises to reshape its dynamics on both ends of the floor.
Coach Jason Burton expressed enthusiasm about the incoming class, highlighting the blend of experience and youthful energy that will give the team greater versatility, from small‑ball lineups to larger, more physical sets.
Among the newcomers, freshman forward Lucia Alvarez Ruiz arrives from Spain, where she spent the 2025‑26 campaign with CBF Manresa in the Liga Femenina 2, bringing international experience and a sharp shooting touch.
The roster also welcomes KaMyra Barber, a sophomore guard who earned NJCAA Honorable Mention All‑America honors at Hutchinson Community College, where she topped the team in scoring and rebounding.
Key Additions and Their Backgrounds
Barber averaged 17.0 points and 10.3 rebounds in three games at the NJCAA Championship, showcasing a combination of size and hustle that should translate well to the collegiate game.
Otaifo Esenabhalu, who spent the last three seasons at Longwood University, compiled 21 double‑digit rebounding games and averaged 7.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per contest, adding depth in the paint.
Kalysta Martin, a four‑star recruit from San Antonio, posted a monster junior season with 24.7 points, 14.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 4.2 blocks per game, signaling a potential impact player.
Kendall Mosley, the Preseason Mountain West Freshman of the Year at San Diego State, impressed with a 50% shooting clip from deep, while Reza Po arrives after a standout year at East Texas A&M where she ranked second on her team in scoring.
Taylor Rietveld, a junior college standout from Chipola College, brings a prolific scoring record, having averaged 16.0 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting an efficient 47.8% from the field and 41.4% beyond the arc.
Depth and Future Outlook
Returning players such as Chania Price, Cherie Spencer, Shelby Thornton and Allison Rickman provide continuity, allowing the new additions to integrate smoothly into a system that emphasizes up‑tempo play and five‑out formations.
The coaching staff believes the expanded roster will enable more strategic flexibility, including the ability to switch between smaller, faster lineups and larger, more physical groups depending on the opponent.
With a blend of seasoned transfers, a promising freshman, and a strong returning core, the Mean Green are poised to compete aggressively in the upcoming conference schedule, aiming to translate their enhanced depth into tangible success on the court.