One year after getting a ton of retention, this year is going to be different for Virginia Tech women's basketball coach Megan Duffy. After making the NCAA Tournament this year after being the first team left out last year, the Hokies are in store for some roster turnover.
Kilah Freelon and Mel Daley have exhausted all of their eligibility, while a handful of Virginia Tech players are entering the Transfer Portal. Unlike last year, there are going to be some key players heading out to find a new home for the 2026-27 season. Carleigh Wenzel, Aniya Trent, and Amani Jenkins have all announced they are coming back, along with Katie Sears. Here is a Transfer Portal tracker for the Hokies women for this spring.
Confirmed Transfer Portal Entries
Kayl Petersen
Sophomore Kayl Petersen was the first reported player to hit the portal after two seasons in Blacksburg. She missed some time with injuries and was a steady player for the Hokies, but her playing time wasn't as much as she would have hoped.
Sophie Swanson
Almost a year to the day from when Sophie Swanson committed to Duffy through the Transfer Portal, it was reported that she's entering it again. A 3-point threat from behind the arc, she was buried on the bench this season and didn't nearly reach the playing time she and Duffy had hoped.
Mackenzie Nelson
You could make the case that the point guard Mackenzie Nelson was one of the MVP's this season for the Hokies. She distributed the ball flawlessly, got to the basket and finished, and was a very good defender, forcing turnovers. Her ability to run the point allowed Wenzel to play off the ball. She will be difficult to replace.
Carys Baker
Along with Nelson, Carys Baker is a brutal loss for Duffy. Over the last two years, her game has evolved under Duffy and the Virginia Tech staff. She became a player who worked and crafted a nice inside game, along with being able to step outside and shoot the ball. She has one more year of eligibility remaining.
Players coming to Virginia Tech
Alyssa Latham
Because she was a graduated transfer, Tennessee transfer Alyssa Latham was able to enter early and she quickly committed to the Hokies. The writing for Baker's future should have been on the wall as they both play the same position.