Gonzaga Women Buck the College Basketball Roster Trend

Gonzaga’s long-standing formula starts with high school recruits, followed by years of development inside the program. Lisa Fortier, entering season 13 as head coach and her 20th year overall with the Zags, has continued an approach that predates her tenure. Even as COVID-19, name, image and likeness, transfer movement and the 5-in-5 eligibility model reshaped roster planning, the staff has prioritized players who fit together and can improve over time.

Transfers now occupy seven spots on the 13-player roster, the largest transfer presence Gonzaga has had. Still, many arrived with multiple seasons available, allowing them to develop within the team. McKynnlie Dalan could play four years at Gonzaga after one season at the University of Minnesota, while former Mead standout Teryn Gardner may also spend four years with the Zags. New guards Emmy Roach, previously at Rider, and Jocelyn Medina, previously at Denver, could each remain for three seasons.

Future roster needs hinge partly on seniors Taylor Smith, Zeryhia Aokuso and Dalan. Each could use a fifth season, transfer for that final year or finish playing. Six juniors could remain for three seasons counting this one. Gonzaga has two scholarship openings under NCAA rules, though it has never carried 15 scholarship players simultaneously. Gonzaga Prep point guard Aylah Cornwall is committed and is expected to sign in November, essentially taking the scholarship held by fifth-year guard Ines Bettencourt. Recruiting remains active for 2027, 2028 and 2029; the staff recently offered 6-2 Mandan, North Dakota, forward AnnaClaire Bugbee for 2028.