The world of Ivy League women's basketball has been buzzing with activity during the offseason, despite the league's dormancy since April. From coaching changes to player transfers and even a unique dual-sport journey, the Ivy League is gearing up for an exciting season.
Coaching Carousel and Player Movement
The biggest news came from Princeton, where head coach Carla Berube's departure created a ripple effect. Associate head coach Lauren Gosselin stepped up, bringing a sense of continuity to the program. However, the team also saw the departure of senior guard Madison St. Rose, who opted to transfer to Notre Dame for her graduate season.
This transfer trend is not unique to Princeton. The Ivy League has seen a notable increase in graduate transfers over the past few years, with players seeking additional playing opportunities after exhausting their eligibility. This season, five Ivy Leaguers from the class of 2026 have entered the transfer portal, with three already committing to new programs.
Incoming Transfers and Team Dynamics
On the other hand, the Ivy League is welcoming a relatively large number of incoming transfers. Columbia, Penn, and Yale have all added new players through the transfer portal, with Columbia bringing in their fifth transfer in the past four offseasons. This influx of transfers has become a gradual trend over the past decade, with the league signing an average of 3.4 incoming transfers per year from 2022 to 2026.
The impact of these transfers is significant. Next season, there will be a record-breaking 12 players who have transferred into the Ivy League at some point in their careers. This shift in roster dynamics adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming season.
Ivy League Alums in the WNBA
The Ivy League's influence extends beyond the college courts. Two alums, Temi Fagbenle and Kaitlyn Chen, made WNBA rosters for the opening day of the regular season. Chen, a Princeton grad, made a strong impression on opening night, scoring a career-high 14 points. Additionally, Penn alum Jordan Obi, who played for Kentucky last season, was drafted by the Las Vegas Aces, continuing the league's impressive streak of having at least one alum selected in the draft for four straight years.
Rule Changes and Their Impact
Several proposed or adopted NCAA rules changes could significantly impact the Ivy League. The expansion of the NCAA Tournament to 76 teams could provide more opportunities for Ivy League teams to secure tournament bids. Additionally, the change in foreign tour rules, allowing Division I teams to travel abroad every summer, could benefit Ivy League programs by offering more flexibility in planning these trips.
However, the most intriguing rule change under consideration is the "five in five" eligibility rule, which would give all student-athletes five years of eligibility to play five college seasons. While this rule would not override the Ivy League's ban on graduate students competing, it could potentially create a disadvantage for Ivy League teams against non-Ivy opponents with more experienced fifth-year players.
A Multisport Champion
One of the most fascinating stories of the offseason is that of Sarah Lessig, a Princeton forward who joined the softball team after the basketball season ended. Lessig, a multisport athlete, has become a four-time champion across two college sports. Her unique journey highlights the benefits of allowing student-athletes to explore multiple sports and the positive impact it can have on their overall development.
As the Ivy League women's basketball season approaches, these offseason developments set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable campaign. With coaching changes, player movement, and rule adjustments, the league is poised for a season filled with surprises and memorable moments.
