A New Era for the Hokies
Virginia Tech’s women’s basketball program is entering a rebuilding phase after being eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament by Oregon. Coach Megan Duffy, now in her second season, is leveraging the transfer portal to reshape the roster while retaining core talent that helped stabilize the team last year.
The Hokies have secured 12 commitments for the upcoming campaign, with three scholarship spots still open. Among the newest arrivals is Francesca Baldassarre, a 5‑foot‑9 guard from Italy who spent the past season in Serie A1. Baldassarre averaged 8.9 points per game and shot 26 % from three‑point range, bringing international experience to the lineup.
Duffy has already locked in guard Carleigh Wenzel and added forward Alyssa Latham, a graduate student, as well as sophomore Lauren Hurst through the portal. Both Latham and Hurst bring additional depth, while redshirt freshman Katie Sears is expected to make her debut after recovering from injury.
Key returning players include Samyha Suffren, Leila Wells and Amani Jenkins, who will anchor the backcourt alongside guard Mackenzie Nelson and forward Carys Baker. The blend of experienced returnees and new transfers creates a versatile roster aimed at competing in the ACC.
The coaching staff anticipates adding one or two more pieces before the season opener in November. With a mix of domestic talent and overseas prospects, Virginia Tech hopes to improve on last season’s performance and contend for a deeper tournament run.