The Terps enter the new season with a deep roster, key players returning and plenty of opportunities to compete against the nation’s best.
Brady Ruth, Staff Writer
10/27/2026
College basketball looks much different than it did 25 years ago.
At Maryland, two things have stayed the same — the standard and the consistency of Brenda Frese.
Frese enters her 25th season at the helm of Maryland women’s basketball in 2026-27 with a deep roster featuring returning production, impact newcomers and a shared hunger for success.
There’s a really special feeling with this team this year. The biggest thing I would say about them is they’re not afraid to work. They put their heads down, they’re always in the gym honing on their craft, and they’re just never satisfied.Brenda Frese
There’s plenty to build on from the Terps’ 24-9 campaign in 2025-26, which saw Maryland earn its 33rd NCAA Tournament appearance in program history. With a strong returning core and an influx of new talent, the Terps are eager to carry last season’s momentum into another run together.
“The excitement for this year comes from building on the foundation that we laid last year,” Oluchi Okananwa said. “We have a lot of talent. We’re hungry. We’re athletic. There’s just so much excitement because playing with each other is so fun.”
Okananwa is one of four returning pieces that saw considerable playing time in 2025-26, along with Addi Mack, Rainey Welson and Marya Boiko. Those four combined for over 2,400 minutes on the floor last season, and are keen for another season in red, black and gold.
“I’m really excited to have gained so much experience last year,” Mack said. “That’s going to be really beneficial for me. We have a great group of girls this year, and it’s been fun to see how much we’ve grown throughout the summer.”
Mack and Okananwa were two of Maryland’s top three scorers a season ago. The freshest faces to the program made some of the biggest impacts in 2025-26. With six new Terps on the roster this season, the same can be expected in 2026-27.
“Being a transfer, everything’s new and exciting,” transfer Nunu Agara said. “New conference, new coast. I’m excited to get to know the fans and play with my new teammates. This team is really hungry and we have some amazing talent. I’m excited to join them.”
After injuries sidelined key players last season, Maryland welcomes back Bri McDaniel and Lea Bartelme. McDaniel earned All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition as a key defender in both 2024 and 2025, while Bartelme flexes experience with the Slovenian National Team.
Their returns give the Terps a boost heading into the new season, bringing back proven talent and valuable experience. After spending time away from the court, the trio is ready to help Maryland reach its potential with a healthier roster.
Sitting out last year put things into perspective for me. We’re excited to show what we can really do. When you have injuries or setbacks, it makes you think about not taking things for granted. Coming back for a new season is amazing.Bri McDaniel
Gallery: #20 Women's Basketball vs. #12 UNC (exh)
Maryland was one of 12 Big Ten teams to play postseason ball in the 2026 NCAA Tournament as the conference continued to establish itself as the acme of college basketball. This season, the Terps will sharpen themselves for March with an 18-game Big Ten schedule starting in December.
Transfers Chloe Sotell and Agara both join Maryland with previous Power Conference opponents, and are ready to face the Big Ten’s best night in and night out.
“Maryland’s an easy place to get used to and find your way in with the coaches and the team,” Sotell said. “Everyone’s been great. The transition has been easy. I’m excited to have my experience translate to the Big Ten. Once conference play starts, every game is going to be a fight, so I’m excited.”
Along with the transfers, Maryland’s incoming class adds another layer of talent to an already experienced roster. Ranked No. 7 nationally, the group features two McDonald’s All-Americans in Jordyn Jackson and Trinity Jones, along with highly regarded national recruit Oumou “Mimi” Thiero and former Great Britain U18 national team member Eva-Grace Yebila.
Stepping into a program where young players can make instant impacts is really motivating. Some programs don’t have a lot of trust and faith in their freshmen, so knowing they have the confidence in me is really inspiring and keeps me working every day.Jordyn Jackson
The Terps’ 2026-27 schedule will present plenty of opportunities to build momentum early and measure themselves against some of the nation’s best.
Maryland went 15-4 at XFINITY Center last season. With 18 home games on the slate in 2026-27, the Terps will lean on the Maryland faithful to create a home-court advantage, especially with premier opponents Michigan (Dec. 11), USC (Jan. 8), Ohio State (Jan. 21) and UCLA (Jan. 24) all coming to College Park for Big Ten bouts.
“This team likes to have fun on and off the court,” Ava McKinnie said. “Watching us play is going to be fun. We’ve put in the work so that we know we can have fun when we get on the court.”
Gallery: Women's Basketball vs. VA Tech (exh)
While the season promises to be filled with excitement and competition, it’ll also be one for celebration. It’s a milestone year for Frese, who also enters the Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame in its 2026 class. With a 288-103 record as the Terps’ head coach and 21 20-win seasons, she’s established Maryland as a top program despite the everchanging college landscape.
“I’m really grateful going into my 25th season,” Frese said. “It’s hard to believe how quickly time flies. There’s been a lot of changes, but the one constant is that we have these special players that I get to coach each and every day.”
Frese knows as well as anyone that each season brings new opportunities, and the 2026-27 Maryland Terrapins are ready to make the most of them. With proven production returning, exciting new faces joining the fold and a renewed sense of possibility, the Terps are eager to turn their potential into results and make their mark on the upcoming season.
