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The NC State women’s basketball team wrapped up its 2025-26 campaign with a solid 21-11 overall record (13-5 in the ACC, fourth place) and a return to the NCAA Tournament as a No. 7 seed. Under head coach Wes Moore, the Wolfpack earned a measure of revenge in the First Round, topping No. 10 Tennessee 76-61 in Ann Arbor on March 20. Two days later, however, their run ended in the Second Round with a 63-92 loss to No. 2 Michigan. Since that elimination in late March, the program has been busy in the transfer portal, high school recruiting, and behind-the-scenes staff adjustments. It is positioning itself for another competitive ACC push in 2026-27.

Key Departures via the Transfer Portal

Like many programs in the modern landscape, NC State saw several contributors enter the portal after the season. The most notable exits included:

• Zamareya “Zam” Jones (sophomore guard): A dynamic scorer who averaged 14.9 points and 3.8 assists as a sophomore. Jones headed to Louisville.
• Tilda Trygger (sophomore forward): The 6-6 Swede provided size and rebounding (10.6 points, 7.0 rebounds per game) before transferring to Washington.
• Mallory Collier (junior forward): The 6-3 interior presence moved on to USF.
• Devyn Quigley (sophomore guard): Entered the portal with destination TBD at the time of reporting.

These losses trimmed some scoring and size from the rotation, but Moore and his staff moved quickly to address the gaps.

Returning Veterans Provide Stability

The Wolfpack retains a strong core of experienced and decorated players who should form the backbone of next season’s lineup:

• Zoe Brooks (senior guard): A two-time All-ACC First Team selection. Brooks averaged 16.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists last season.
• Khamil Pierre (senior forward): An All-ACC First Team honoree who dominated the paint with 16.7 points and 11.9 rebounds while shooting 52.5% from the field.
• Qadence Samuels (senior guard, transfer from UConn): Adds length and versatility at 6-0.
• Maddie Cox (senior forward): Reliable depth piece.
• Adelaide Jernigan (sophomore guard): Former top recruit in North Carolina.
• Destiny “Ky’She” Lunan (sophomore guard): Emerging perimeter threat.

This group of veterans brings leadership, proven ACC production, and familiarity with Moore’s system.

Incoming Talent: Transfers and High School RecruitsNC State has been active on the portal and recruiting trail to refresh the roster.

Transfer Additions:

• Khady Leye (junior forward from Auburn): Committed April 23. The 6-2 Senegalese athlete started all 32 games for the Tigers last season, averaging 9.5 points and 5.3 rebounds while logging heavy minutes and showing switchable defensive versatility. She has two years of eligibility remaining.
• Desiree Wooten (junior guard from Colorado): Committed May 3 after an official visit. The 5-8 Dallas native led the Buffaloes in scoring (13.4 ppg), added 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals, and knocked down a team-high 50 threes at 35.2%. She brings prior All-AAC honors from her North Texas days and All-Big 12 Honorable Mention recognition. Exactly the perimeter scoring and shooting the Wolfpack lost with Jones’ departure.

High School Recruits (Class of 2026 freshmen):

• Kamora Pruitt (forward): A top-40 national prospect (ESPN) from Legion Prep (TX), committed in October 2025.
• Annsley “AJ” Trivette (forward/center): Virginia Class 3A Player of the Year who committed in August 2025. She brought elite rebounding and multi-sport athleticism.
• Favour Ossai Chinoye (wing): A versatile, athletic prospect who committed in the spring of 2026, bringing length, defensive instincts, and scoring versatility to the perimeter and forward spots.

As of early June, the 2026-27 roster stands at roughly 9-10 scholarship players (with more expected), blending proven veterans, high-upside transfers, and a talented freshman class.

Coaching Staff Refresh

Off the court, Moore made targeted staff moves to keep the program sharp:

• Longtime assistant Houston Fancher announced his retirement in late May.
• Ronny Fisher, former head coach at Campbell, was hired in early June (initially reported as an assistant and now listed in a player development/operations role).
• Additional support is provided by associate head coach Nikki West and assistant Ashley Williams, who continue to contribute to the program.

Looking Ahead: Non-Conference Slate and Big Picture

The Wolfpack already has one notable non-conference matchup locked in: they will travel to face Ole Miss in the SEC/ACC Challenge on December 2, 2026, at the SJB Pavilion. It is a rematch of sorts after NC State edged the Rebels two years ago.

On the professional side, several former #PackPro players Sonia Rivers and Aziaha James remain active in the WNBA, with a June 4 GoPack.com roundup highlighting their early-season contributions and keeping NC State’s pipeline visible.

Bottom line: The 2025-26 season showed flashes of the high-level play NC State fans have come to expect, but the early NCAA exit and subsequent roster turnover created an opportunity for a fresh start. With All-ACC anchors Brooks and Pierre returning, athletic and skilled transfers Leye and Wooten stepping in, and a talented freshman class arriving, including the addition of Chinoye, Moore’s squad has the pieces to compete in a stacked ACC. The offseason has been about smart, targeted additions rather than wholesale overhaul. It is classic Wolfpack reloading.

Stay tuned as Summer workouts and fall practice approaches; the 2026-27 season promises to be another exciting chapter in Reynolds Coliseum. Go Pack!