Syracuse women’s basketball is returning to the drawing board following a 12-18 season of uncertainty. Having lost five seniors from the team, including anchor players such as Saniaa Wilson and Georgia Woolley, really significant holes were created on both sides of the court. Head Coach Felisha Legette-Jack isn’t idle. She’s chosen to make a sweeping change in her fourth season with a significant influx of new talent—seven, to be exact. This is not a rebuilding process in slow motion—it’s a go-for-it retooling. Legette-Jack’s goal is obvious: put Syracuse in ACC contention and back in playoff consideration. And if the new crop of players is anything to go by, she’s not holding anything back.
The Unexpected Jackpot
Much as striking 300% casino bonus, the Orange’s offseason recruiting is really akin to an unexpected jackpot. Syracuse did not simply reload—it went all-in. A total of seven newcomers are poised to disrupt the depth chart, injecting a compelling combination of fresh and youthful vigor and veteran savvy. Three of them are true freshmen, players with potential over the long haul and fresh legs. The remaining four are transfers—hardened players who understand the rigors of the college game. Such a combination of potential and experience might turn out to be the ace in the hole for Legete-Jack as she gears up for a make-or-bust season.
Transfers Bring Instant Impact
Arguably, the most significant increase comes from the transfer portal, as Syracuse acquired some really serious talent there. Headlining the list is Laila Phelia. The former Michigan and Texas guard boasts the kind of experience more programs would wish for. Phelia was a standout in the Big Ten, excelling in both her two-way play and leadership skills. A significant addition is point guard Angelica Velez, who started at LSU.
Velez is speedy on the open floor and handles with poise in tight situations. She provides the playmaking that the team lacked last season. Journey Thompson, from Arizona State, provides size and flexibility to the front line. Her rebounding and post-play skills will become even more critical with Wilson no longer in the fold.
Completing the transfer class is Kiylee Fletcher, a lower-profile but high-upside guard who can become a sure-fire rotation option. These are players who have observed the speed and physical nature of the game at the highest level. Fans in Syracuse will not have to wait to see their contribution.
Filling the Pipeline with Promising Recruits
Though the transfers pay dividends immediately, the recruiting class lays the groundwork for the program’s future. Four-star wing Jasmyn Cooper tops the trio. Ranked 48 nationally by ESPNW, Cooper is a stretch scorer with the ability to slash to the basket and shoot from distance. She’s the kind of freshman who can become a star. Point guard Camdyn Nelson brings another level of smarts to the backcourt.
From Connecticut, a state with a storied basketball background, Nelson is respected for her court sense and ability to remain level-headed under challenging situations. Justus Fitzgerald from the Peach State provides another solid, multi-dimensional forward with a high work rate and fine instincts. The threesome includes depth, athleticism and practice competition that this squad so urgently requires.
You shouldn’t be surprised if a first-year student or two see significant playing time early. They possess the talent and Legette-Jack hasn’t been afraid of giving rookies considerable playing time if they’ve earned it.
Returners Provide the Backbone
While the new players take the spotlight, the returning players cannot go unnoticed. They provide continuity in the locker room and familiarity with the system. Sophie Burrows is also returning and adds some sorely needed outside shooting. Keira Scott is returning as one of the frontcourt pieces and will be relied on to guide some of the young bigs.
Coming back also are Nyah Wilson and Alyssa Latham, both of whom flashed last season. They’re poised to leap, particularly with more defined roles and the added depth in the program. Being able to adjust and set the pace will be essential if the Orange are to mesh quickly and avoid early-season missteps.
Chemistry is the Key
Roster overhauls are thrilling yet risky. Seven new players translate to seven new personas, styles of play and learning curves. Building chemistry will be the greatest challenge in the 2025-26 season.
Fortunately, Legette-Jack has demonstrated she can construct a culture. Her prioritizing of discipline, team before self and defensive-forward identity provides her with the basis on which to shape this team.
Summer workouts and preseason games are on the horizon and the pieces are there. It’s time to put them together. Fans will want to see how rapidly the team develops roles and rotations. If the returning and new players can gel in the beginning, this team might surprise some in the ACC.
A New Era Begins
This is not another year for Syracuse women’s basketball—it’s a statement year. The 2025-26 team is going to look nearly nothing like the team the fans watched last season. Perhaps that is precisely what this program requires. Legette-Jack is not patching things together with scraps—her team is being rebuilt with drive: seven new arrivals, a few returning talent and plenty to prove. The Orange aren’t checking in quietly to this new season. They’re arriving like a squad that won the lottery—and they’re wagering everything on themselves.
