NFL
By: Nathan Snell
A season ago, the Terrapins won 25 games and went through some adversity. However, that adversity led to a Sweet 16 run. For Head Coach Brenda Frese, entering her 24th season as head coach, continues to excel with the transfer portal and deserves a nickname.
Losing Seven Players is not easy, but the Terrapins arguably might have the best roster:
Departures:
- Allie Kubek (Transfer-Florida State)
- Shyanne Sellers (Graduate-WNBA 2nd Round Draft Pick)
- Amari DeBarry (Graduate)
- Sarah Te-Biasu (Graduate)
- Emily Fisher (Transfer- Nebraska)
- Emma Chardon (Graduate)
- Christina Dalce (Graduate)
Additions:
- Oluchi Okananwa (Transfer from Duke)
- Yarden Garzon (Transfer from Indiana)
- Nicole Fritea (Freshman)
- Marya Fritea (Freshman)
- Addi Mack (Freshman)
- Lea Bartelme (Freshman)
- Rainey Welson (Freshman)
Eight Players from last season are still with the Terrapins, who all should see valuable rotational minutes. Kaylene Smikle, Bri McDaniel, Saylor Poffenbarger, Mir McLean, Breanna Williams, Kyndal Walker, Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu, and Ava McKennie.
The Return Keys Pieces
Ismenme Ozzy-Momodu redshirted last season due to recovery from an ACL Injury suffered in February 2024. Now that Kubek and Dalce are no longer with the team, Ozzy-Momodu will be a big piece for Coach Frese this season.
Bri McDaniel suffered a torn ACL in January against Minnesota, and although she has been making great strides in her rehab, there is no timetable for her return to the court. Most know it takes a year to recover fully, and her surgery occurred at the end of January.
Kaylene Smikle, who was the team’s leading scorer last season, could make some WNBA scouts pay attention for the 2026 draft. Currently, is dealing with some day-to-day injuries, but I should be good to go. I did not play the two exhibition games. Smikle should see her stats increase as the offense opens up for her more and has more depth to help.
Saylor Poffenbarger and Mir McLean, who are two of three team captains for this season, will play a much more decisive role. Poffenbarger, who was the team’s best rebounder and defender at the rim last season, should not have to take on this role, as Maryland has sufficient frontcourt depth. McLean is often considered the sixth woman of the bench. More is known for her energy on defense and will step up in clutch situations.
“The Three Amigos,” Ava McKennie, Breanna Williams, and Kyndal Walker return as well. It will be interesting to see how McKennie will build on her freshman year, thanks to her on-ball defense. Williams redshirted and used last season as a tool to continue her development. Walker reshirted due to a wrist injury last season. Her role this season will be something to watch for sure.
Like many of her coaching colleagues, Coach Frese took a different approach this season in scheduling, especially in the non-conference games. While last season showed some teams giving the Terps a fight, this schedule should be interesting.
Here are a few non-conference games on the schedule.
- November 9th vs Georgetown
- November 20th vs Bethune-Cookman
- December 10th vs Delaware State
This season, the Big Ten honestly stands between UCLA, Indiana, and Maryland. The Terrapins have the biggest tests against these teams.
- November 28th vs No. 24 Kentucky
- January 15th vs No. 18 USC
- January 18th vs No. 3 UCLA
Season Prediction: 28 wins, Two Losses
Award Predictions:
- Big Ten Defense Player of the Year: Oluchi Okananwa
- All Big Ten Team: Kaylene Smikle, Oluchi Okananwa, Yarden Garzon, Saylor Poffenbarger
- All Big Ten Defense Team: Ava McKennie, Bri McDaniel
- All Big Ten Honorable Mention: Kyndal Walker, Breanna Williams, Bri McDaniel
- Sixth Player of the Year: Mir McLean
- Brenda Frese wins Big Ten Coach of the Year
