CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The 2025–26 North Carolina women’s basketball team will have a distinctly youthful look, with nine of its 14 players owning two or fewer years of college experience. Among them are three highly touted freshmen set to make their Tar Heel debuts this season.
UNC welcomes five-star standouts Nyla Brooks and Taliyah Henderson, along with four-star guard Taissa Queiroz, who joined the team early in the spring to train. The trio will look to step into meaningful roles after UNC lost three starters from last year’s squad.
Head coach Courtney Banghart is already impressed with the group’s potential.
“I’m not sure we’ve had as game-ready a freshman class in a while,” Banghart said. “It’s exciting.”
Brooks, a 6-foot-1 forward from Bishop Ireton (Alexandria, Va.), arrives as Virginia’s Gatorade Player of the Year and a McDonald’s All-American. She averaged 18.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists last season, leading her team to a state title. Banghart praised her patience, work ethic, and hunger to learn.
Henderson, a 6-foot wing from Salpointe Catholic in Tucson, Ariz., is ranked No. 27 in ESPN’s 2025 class. A silver medalist with Canada’s U18 national team, she’s known for her athleticism, rebounding, and shooting. Banghart noted her explosive style, even saying she can make veteran Alyssa Ustby look slow at times.
Queiroz, a 6-foot-1 guard from Brazil, spent last spring practicing with UNC after graduating early. She also suited up for Brazil’s national team in exhibition games against the WNBA’s Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever. Banghart lauded her versatility, physical strength, and growing confidence.
Alongside the freshmen, UNC added Nyla Harris (Louisville) and Elina Aarnisalo (UCLA) from the transfer portal. The Tar Heels will need these newcomers to offset the departures of Ustby, Grace Townsend, Maria Gakdeng, and Lexi Donarski.
Coming off a 29–8 campaign, a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and a Sweet Sixteen appearance, Banghart’s squad will rely on this mix of youth and experience to keep UNC among the ACC’s elite.
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