UNM WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
New head coach Eagan continues to build roster
Addition of two new players brings roster total to nine for the 2026-27 season
Another day, another new addition to the University of New Mexico women's basketball roster.
A busy week of roster building continued Thursday as UNM added Savannah Stricker, a 5-foot-10 guard from St. Louis, Missouri. Stricker is a senior at Incarnate Word Academy who previously committed to play at Lindenwood but will instead follow newly hired coach Amy Eagan to New Mexico.
Stricker played a key role in helping Incarnate Word win four consecutive Class 6 state championships in Missouri. A four-year starter, she averaged 10.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists this season as the Red Knights finished 29-2.
"Savannah is a super-versatile player that can do it all," Eagan said. "From her IQ making her a phenomenal passer to her ability to rebound and hit the open 3, she is a kid we have watched for years. She is also a winner. We are extremely excited to add her to our family."
Though she never actually played for Lindenwood, Stricker is the fourth player to leave the Lions for UNM. Guard Valerie Norwood committed to the Lobos last week and was followed by guard Gracy Wernli and post Gracie Kelsey on Tuesday. Each are noted for having versatile skill sets, a trait valued by Eagan as she prepares to install a Princeton-based offense at New Mexico.
That includes the 6-2 Kelsey, who averaged 7.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists as a junior last season.
"Gracie can shoot the 3 or play with her back to the basket," Eagan said. "She's been with us the last three years and knows our system and how to play in it."
As of Thursday evening, UNM's roster stood at nine players for 2026-27. The total includes three returnees from last season (guards Laila Abdurraqib and Kaia Foster and forward Drew Jordon) and two incoming freshmen signed by former coach Mike Bradbury (guards Maya Thompson and Quintilla Hidalgo).
The 5-9 Hidalgo is not exactly a newcomer, having joined the Lobos during last season's second semester. She participated at practice but was not eligible to play and will have to sit out the first semester next season due to club-level participation in her home country The Netherlands. Still, Eagan likes Hidalgo's athleticism and potential.
"Her size with her skill level give her an opportunity to be successful in our program," Eagan said. "I'm excited to see her growth this year."
Eagan and her staff remain in the market for additional post players and would like to add another inside/outside threat at forward. The NCAA transfer portal closes Monday but entered players can sign any time prior to the fall semester.
LANDING ELSEWHERE: Three of the six former UNM players in the transfer portal have committed to new programs for next season, according to on3.com. Guard Joana Magalh茫es and post Emma Najjuma will remain teammates as both have committed to Santa Clara, which went 24-10 last season. Guard Tyler Jones, who is from Memphis, committed to UT Martin (13-17 last season).
Guards Destinee Hooks, Nayli Padilla and post Jessie Joaquim also entered the transfer portal from UNM.
Bradbury also officially joined the coaching staff at Louisville this week as an assistant to longtime friend and Cardinals head coach Jeff Walz. Bradbury compiled a 202-112 record in 10 seasons at New Mexico.
