Thanks for putting this together. Definitely an intriguing group.

Have these recruits been officially announced?

Traditionally, Jen Gross has announced signings during the Fall signing period, which this year is 11/12-18. Usually the first day "National Signing Day" is when most commits sign financial aid agreements, usually with some hoopla at their high schools. That's as binding as it gets, though students can ask to be released.

I initially get information on commits at WBB Blog (https://wbbblog.com) which is usually pretty accurate, The I check the social media for the player. Currently, Basset, Dixon and Hicks have announced on their Instagram pages, so they seem pretty solid.

Forsline has not, though she apparently only committed on 9/24, and she also plays volleyball at Mesabi East HS, so may just be too busy. She doesn't seem to be particularly active on social media. There is a post on X from her AAU coach congratulating her on her commitment to UCD. Looking at the schools that she's posted offers from, UCD and the MW Conference are the most prestigious. From watching her highlight on Hudl, Forsline seems something of a "project", despite her stats. But so was Morgan Bertsch, who redshirted as a freshman. So not necessarily a bad thing.

Marta Forsline has posted her commitment on her Instagram site, so she also looks pretty solid.

Early signing period starts Wednesday, Nov. 12, runs through Wednesday, November 19.

The Aggies signed all four of their current commits to financial aid offers, so those players are in the fold. Or at least as much in the fold as possible anymore. If someone gets a better offer after an outstanding senior season? Who knows???

Layla Dixon (6'0" wing from Carondelet) seems pretty excited, as she posted to the Instagram sites of her 3 fellow commits.

This links to an article about Marta Forsline signing with the Aggies: https://www.mesabitribune.com/sports/forsline-signs-with-d-i-uc-davis/article_9c69e0bd-4b8e-4a7b-b145-88f5ad635d1b.html

Add Rebecca Donnelly, a 6’1” wing from Sydney, Australia to the 2026 recruiting class. Playing in the Northern Suburbs Basketball Association, Donnelly was named the league’s Junior Player of the Year this season. She was recently selected by Basketball Australia to participate in the FIBA U17 Oceania Championships this December.

With yesterday’s end to the Early Signing Period, time for first impressions of the incoming recruiting class, and what’s might come via the Transfer Portal and the Regular Signing Period, which starts April 15, 2026.

Currently, the 2026 Class consists of 6’3” post Marta Forsline, and backcourt players Anna Bassett (6’0”), Rebecca Donnelly (6’1”), Layla Dixon (6’0”) and Taylor Hicks (6’0”). When added to Emmy Ersdala (6’1”), Sophie Lentfer (6’0”) and Carrington Davis (5’10”) from the 2025 Class, the immediate realization is that the Aggies are getting taller in the backcourt. Indeed, Davis may have one of the taller overall rosters in the Mountain West next season.

Secondly, UCD is continuing to build to rum. Bassett, Donnelly, Dixon and Hicks can all run the floor. Forsline’s junior year highlights showed some ability to move, while a clip from Minnesota’s 3x3 Championships in August demonstrates real growth in movement, as well as court awareness and passing ability. Also, like Sophie Lentfer, she's a volleyball player in high school, which adds a movement dimension.

Next, when the five signees are added to the the six definite returnees - Ersdala, Lentfer, Davis, Ryann Bennett, Avery Sussex, Tegan Young, and Theoni Tsami, next year’s roster already is as large as this season’s. With 2 additional scholarship spots available, the Aggies may have a larger squad next year, either because of other returnees (Helen Matthews?), or new signings.

Finally, I’ve gotta think that Jen Gross and staff are probably looking for another post player. Even if she returns, Ally Fitzgerald’s recurring back issues have unfortunately rendered her unavailable.and “availability is the most important ability”. Perhaps, through the transfer portal, looking for an older, more experienced player to give Forsline time to develop. Theoni Tsami and Tegan Young are currently backing up Megan Norris in the post, in Fitzgerald’s absence. Both are a little undersized for the position, especially in the Mountain West,

Might be some opportunities for graduate players from other conferences.

A successful graduate post would be the type of player to look for 1st IMHO. The one-year master’s program at the Graduate School of Management has been a good draw for UCD Athletics.

A second type of player would be someone like a junior or redshirt senior who hasn’t gotten the playing time they hoped, but otherwise fits the UCD WBB player profile. The kind of player the Aggies would’ve liked to recruit as a freshman.