By Cameron Crossett
With a mix of veteran leadership and promising new talent, the Maryland Terrapins women’s basketball team is gearing up for another deep postseason push – a goal emphasized during the team’s annual media day at the Xfinity Center, where players and coaches shared their optimism for the season ahead.
Maryland enters the 2025-26 season ranked No. 10 in the Associated Press preseason poll.
Head coach Brenda Frese is entering season 24 with the Terps. Three team captains have been selected by their peers for the upcoming year, including redshirt senior guard Saylor Poffenbarger, graduate guard-forward Mir Mclean and senior guard Yarden Garzon.
“Every player is a leader in their own way and commands from that position over their peers,” Frese said.
Garzon, one of four international players on the Terps’ roster, is a transfer from Indiana University and was born in Israel. After spending three seasons with Indiana, Garzon said she is mentally prepared for another challenging year playing in the Big Ten.
“Just facing teams that I know a little bit what to expect from… and I know how tough the league is… I have to come ready every game,” Garzon said. “It’s helpful knowing a lot of coaches around the league and being able to pick their minds.”
Garzon noted that transitioning from Israel to the United States was a major culture shock.
“Getting to know everybody and understanding how everything works was a challenge,” Garzon said. “People communicate differently in different parts of the country, and that’s something I’ve had to adapt to.”
Freshman guard Rainey Welson, who is 5-foot-10 and from Greenville, Wisconsin, ranked No. 34 nationally by ESPN out of high school.
Welson said she’s looking forward to being part of such a dedicated team led by Frese.
“I’m big on energy and always have a smile on my face, uplifting teammates,” Welson said. “I really value that because it helps with the team atmosphere a lot.”
Frese said that infectious energy is expected to be a key factor in the Terps’ success this season.
Oluchi Okananwa, a transfer from Duke, has been described by Coach Frese as “the final piece” to a talented Maryland roster.
Okananwa mentioned that Frese’s coaching style fuels her motivation to succeed.
“Coach has been able to bring out a willingness and hunger to bring success not just to the team but for [Frese],” Okananwa said. “When you have a coach who pours so much into you, you want to show her a return on that investment.”
Okananwa, who spent her first two seasons in Durham, North Carolina, said she’s enjoyed her transition into College Park – especially because of the local food scene.
“I’ve definitely been expanding my palate since I’ve been here,” she said with a laugh.
The Terps will open their season on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. against Loyola Maryland at the Xfinity Center, kicking off their pursuit of another Sweet 16 run.
Featured Image: UMD women’s basketball team poses for team media day photo on Oct. 23. Photo by Cameron Crossett.