COLLEGE PARK, MD -- Maryland women's basketball team head coach
Brenda Frese signed SEC transfer Saylor Poffenbarger and top junior college transfer Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu this week.
Poffenbarger (poff-enn-BAR-gurr) , a native of Middletown, Md., will come home after starting her career at UConn, then playing the last two seasons at Arkansas. She earned All-SEC Freshman Team honors in 2023 set the Arkansas record for defensive rebounds (283) in 2023-24. Ozzy-Momodu (ih-SEE-men-may Ozzie-mama-DOO)comes to College Park after playing two seasons at junior college Gulf State Coast where she averaged 16.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, as well as 73% shooting.
"The first thing I have to do is give huge thanks to so many people here at Maryland that helped put this group together," Frese said. "My staff has worked tirelessly since before our season even ended. The transfer portal is relentless, from early in the morning until late at night, for weeks. There's a lot of moving parts to the whole operation. It's a true team effort. Our academic advisor deserves special mention as she's had to look at everyone's transcripts and find out how we're going to make it all work. I also have to give a huge thanks to everyone who's donated to our Maryland Collective. That support is invaluable to our program for now and the future."
SAYLOR POFFENBARGER
Guard ● 6-2
Redshirt Junior
Middletown, Md. ● Middletown (UConn/Arkansas)
- 2023 All-SEC Freshman Team
- Five-time SEC Freshman of the Week
- Set the Arkansas record for defensive rebounds (225) in 2023-24
- Started in 30 games in 2023-24 and led the team in rebounds per game (11.2), total defensive rebounds (283) and averaged 10.2 points
- Finished her redshirt sophomore year with 14 double-figure scoring games, 19 double-digit rebound games, nine double-doubles and two 20-point games
- As a freshman in 2022-23, led the team in rebounds (6.9), as well as blocks (40)
- Finished freshman season with with 13 double-digit scoring games, nine 10+ rebounding contests, five 5+ assist games and four double-doubles
- No. 30 overall player coming out of high school
Frese on Poffenbarger: "We're thrilled to bring Saylor and her family back home. We've known them for a long time. Her mom used to work our camps when she was coaching. Her dad is well -known on the high school scene as well. Saylor is a multi-dimensional player who can play from the outside and in when match-ups present themselves. She averaged a double-double in the SEC last season, which tells you she can really help us. We know the family has deep roots in the Middletown, Maryland area and we hope a lot of those people come support her at games."
Poffenbarger on Maryland: "I chose Maryland because I could have the best of both worlds. I can be coached and surrounded by greats and have my family in the stands every night. Being surrounded with success is something that was really important to me when choosing my next school."
ISIMENME OZZY-MOMODU
Forward ● 6-3
Senior
London, England ● Gulf Coast State College
- Played 2 seasons at Gulf Coast State
- Averaged 16.7 points, 11.6 rebounds and 73% from the floor in 23 games in 2023-24 season
- Posted a 25-point and 23-rebound game against Shelton State, a 22-point and 26-rebound game against South Georgia Tech and a 28-point and 20-rebound game against Colombia State on 13/14 shooting in her career
- Earned NJCAA Third Team All-America honors in 2023-24
- Won seven national titles playing for City of London academy in South London
- Named Hoopsfix Pro-Am MVP at just 18-years-old in 2022
Frese on Ozzy-Momodu: "Isi is the No. 1 junior college player in the country who hails from England. She is a perfect fit of what our program needs. She will bring an immediate presence inside at 6-3. She is a double-double machine in scoring and rebounding. Isi will be rehabbing as she is coming in off of a torn ACL injury sustained in February. She has a tireless work ethic so we know she will be back in no time. We are excited about Isi's future here at Maryland."
Ozzy-Momodu on Maryland: "I chose Maryland because on my visit the love was unmatched, and I also felt like the program is a good environment that will empower me on and off the court. I also trust God & believe this is within his plan."
