Gonzaga Women's Basketball Eyes Pac-12 Dominance With High Roster Retention
AI-generated image · US National Wire
Coach Lisa Fortier's squad returns nearly all key players as they prepare for a rebuilt conference and another NCAA Tournament run.
Gonzaga women's basketball is entering the 2026-27 season with a level of roster retention that, as Sports Illustrated first reported, should make them favorites in the new-look Pac-12. While the men's program is integrating 11 newcomers, coach Lisa Fortier's team is returning nearly every player from the previous year.
According to Sports Illustrated, only three players from last year's 13-person roster are gone: transfers Vera Gunaydin, who is at North Alabama, and Paige Lofing, who returned to Montana, as well as senior Ines Bettencourt. While Bettencourt entered the transfer portal, she may return to Spokane after being granted a fifth year of eligibility via a California lawsuit.
Returning starters include forwards Taylor Smith and WCC Player of the Year Lauren Whittaker, along with guards Zee Aokuso and Allie Turner. The roster is further bolstered by reserves Julia Wilson, McKynnlie Dalan, Teryn Gardner, and Jaiden Haile. New additions to the squad include freshman forward Abby Lusk and transfer guards Jocelyn Medina from Denver and Emmy Roach from Rider.
After a slow start last season, the Zags won 18 of their final 22 games. Sports Illustrated notes that this familiarity positions Gonzaga to compete for the first title in the rebuilt conference against rivals such as Colorado State, San Diego State, and the primary threat, Oregon State. The program is seeking its sixth NCAA Tournament appearance in seven years.
Fans can view the roster at the annual FanFest on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 2:00 PM PT at the McCarthey Athletic Center.