A New Era of Expectations
Vermont's women's basketball program is entering the 2026‑27 campaign with a sense of momentum that has been building since Maureen Magarity took the helm. The university announced her appointment earlier this year, and the new coach has already signaled that continuity will be a cornerstone of the season. By keeping the core of last year's squad intact, Magarity hopes to translate early promise into a third consecutive America East tournament championship.
The roster reflects a deliberate blend of experience and fresh talent. Almost every player who still had eligibility returned, and three of the four freshmen who signed last spring remain on campus. Alongside the holdovers, Magarity added transfers Meja Jaegerskog from Sweden, Sienna Papanstasiou‑Thomas from Canada and Arantxa Portalez, a post player who previously starred at Delaware. The mix of size, shooting and versatility gives the team a depth that was missing in previous years.
Among the returnees, Savanna Creel has been singled out as the most improved player, while Cat Gilwee is working her way back from a second season‑ending injury. Emma Haan, who was thrust into a larger role than expected, will be expected to bring consistency, and Madison Hall’s 3‑point shooting could stretch defenses. Lia Hanson’s length and Maren Maxon’s surprising recovery from knee surgery add interior options, while Piper Risdon’s energy and Jacklynn Hosier’s bench production provide additional firepower.
Leadership will be anchored by seniors Malia Lenz and Neta Mayshar, both of whom bring vocal presence and maturity. Lenz, now in her final year, has taken on a more vocal role, while Mayshar, completing her mandatory military service in Israel, returns with a disciplined mindset. Freshman Maisie Keyes, who arrived from Manchester, England, has already faced a setback in practice but is expected to contribute once fully fit.
The schedule positions Vermont against familiar America East rivals and several non‑conference opponents that will test the team early. With the goal of securing a third straight conference title, the Catamounts are focused on maintaining consistency across a demanding slate. Coach Magarity emphasized that the team’s depth will be a decisive factor in navigating the grind.
Off the court, the program benefits from strong ties to the University of Vermont, the America East Conference and its broader network of academic and athletic partners. The support staff, including assistant coach Hayley Moore and director of operations Carley Hill, remain in place, allowing Magarity to concentrate on strategy and player development.