Faces To Know: 2024-25 Women's Basketball Newcomers

Get to know the 10 newcomers joining the Maryland women's basketball program for the 2024-25 season.

By Michael Rovetto, Staff Writer
Faces To Know: 2024-25 Women's Basketball Newcomers

Head coach Brenda Frese and Maryland women’s basketball were active in the transfer portal and its recruiting efforts this offseason. The Terps welcomed seven transfers and three freshmen. Here’s everything you need to know about each incoming transfer ahead of the 2024-25 season, including their reason for choosing the University of Maryland as their new home.  

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The Transfers

Christina Dalce

Forward, 6-2, Sr.
(Villanova)

Christina Dalce, a 6-foot-2 forward from Villanova, was named Big East Co-Defensive Player of The Year and an All-Big East Honorable Mention in 2024. The Edison, N.J. native played for the Wildcats from 2021-24 and is a rising senior for the Terps. In 2024, Dalce posted career-best averages of 8.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. She led Villanova in rebounds and blocks and was second on the team in points. During the 2022-23 season, Dalce broke the Villanova school record for blocked shots in a season (86) and was named Philadelphia Big 5 Most Improved Player. She also earned a spot on the USA Basketball 2023 women's 3x3 U21 team that competed at the FIBA Nations League in China, where she was teammates with Shyanne Sellers.

"I chose Maryland because of the location and the family atmosphere. Being close to home and having my family attend my games is huge to me. Knowing that I have a family away from home feels even better. Maryland is the place to be able to develop my game and me as an overall person.

Amari DeBerry

Forward, 6-6, Sr.
(UConn)

Amari DeBerry is a 6-foot-6 forward from UConn and a 2021 McDonald’s All-American. The Williamsville, N.Y. native played with the Huskies from 2021-24 and is a rising senior for the Terrapins. DeBerry was ranked as the No. 15 recruit in her class, having won gold at the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup and 2019 FIBA Americas U16 Championship. She was also named New York State Sportswriters Association (NYSSWA) Class A Player-of-The-Year in 2020.

I chose Maryland not only for its exceptional academic and athletic offerings but also because it feels like home. Since connecting, I've formed meaningful connections with the staff and everyone involved, already experiencing such genuine care, support, and a strong sense of belonging - all values that align closely with my own priorities.

Mir McLean

Guard/Forward, 5-11, Jr.
(Virginia)

Mir McLean is a 5-foot-11 guard from the University of Virginia and a 2020 McDonald’s All-American, Jordan Brand Classic All-American and Maryland Gatorade Player of The Year. The Baltimore native attended Roland Park Country School, where she was the No. 25 ranked recruit in her class. McLean missed the 2023-24 season due to injury but averaged 12.2 points and 9.6 rebounds in 15 games with the Cavaliers during the 2022-23 season. She is also a former three-time Baltimore Sun First-Team All-Metro selection and a USA Today First-Team selection in Maryland. She previously spent two seasons from 2020-22 at UConn. McLean is a rising junior for the Terps.

I chose Maryland because I know the atmosphere will fit me as much as it will challenge and push me to be my best self. I'm super excited to be coming home and showing up for my state.

Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu

Forward, 6-3, Jr.
(Gulf Coast State)

Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu is a 6-foot-3 rising junior forward from Gulf Coast State and a 2024 Junior College Third-Team All-American. The London native averaged 16.7 points and 11.6 rebounds on 73% shooting from the floor in 23 games during the 2023-24 season. Before moving to the U.S. in 2022, Ozzy-Momodu won seven national titles playing for City of London Academy and was named Hoopsfix Pro-Am MVP at 18 years old. She spent the 2022-23 season at Eastern Florida State, averaging 10.6 points and 9.5 rebounds in 30 games.

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 and believe this is within his plan.

Saylor Poffenbarger

Guard, 6-2, R-Jr.
(Arkansas)

Saylor Poffenbarger, a 6-foot-2 guard from the University of Arkansas, was a 2023 All-SEC Freshman Team selection. The Middletown, Md. native attended Middletown High School and returned to Maryland as a redshirt junior. She appeared in 30 games for the Razorbacks in 2023-24, averaging 10.2 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. She led the team in rebounds and set the Arkansas single-season record for defensive rebounds (225). Poffenbarger attended UConn for the 2020-21 season, but before attending college, she was named All-State First Team (twice) and Ms. Maryland Basketball in 2020. Poffenbarger even won gold at the 2019 FIBA Americas U16 Championship.

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.

Kaylene Smikle

Guard, 6-0, Jr.
(Rutgers)

Kaylene Smikle is a 6-foot guard from Rutgers named to the 2023 All-Big Ten Second and All-Big Ten Freshman teams. The Bay Shore, N.Y. native is a rising junior for the Terps. Over the past two seasons, Smikle averaged 17.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists and two steals in 47 games with the Scarlet Knights. As a freshman, she was ranked fifth in the Big Ten, scoring 17.9 points per game and 19.5 points in conference play. She became Rutgers' all-time leading freshman scorer in program history, ending the season with 573 points. The former four-star recruit was the No. 11 ranked wing in the nation according to ESPNW, where she was named the Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of The Year and a McDonald's All-American in 2022.

I chose Maryland for its family atmosphere and for the love and commitment they showed me, as well as the opportunity for growth and development to enhance me as an overall person and athlete. They showed that love abounds above all.

Sarah Te-Biasu

Guard, 5-5, Gr.
(VCU)

Sarah Te-Biasu is a 5-foot-5 guard from VCU and the reigning Atlantic 10 Player of the Year. The Montreal native is a fifth-year graduate student at Maryland. Te-Biasu played for the Rams from 2020-24, posting career averages of 13.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. She led VCU last season, averaging 16 points, 2.9 rebounds and two steals. Te-Biasu was also previously named to the All-Atlantic 10 Third Team (twice), the All-Atlantic 10 Rookie Team and the Atlantic 10 All-Championship Team. She was a U19 Canadian National Team member before attending VCU.

I chose Maryland because the players and coaching staff were very welcoming. During the recruiting process, they showed love and explained why Maryland is a great fit for me. I'm excited to compete at the highest level with this team.
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Incoming Freshmen

Ava McKennie

Guard/Forward, 6-2, Fr.
(McDonogh School)

Ava McKennie, a 6-foot-2 swingman who attended McDonogh School, is the No. 35-ranked player by ASGR Hoops in the class of 2024. The native of McSherrystown, Pa., led the Eagles to two IAAM championships. McKennie was a 2022 GEYBL national champion while being named to the All-GEYBL Second Team. Her AAU team was 16U EYBL champions, and she later played AAU for Philly Rise from 2021-23. McKennie was also named all-conference in track, and her brother, Ellis McKennie, was an offensive lineman for the Terps from 2015-19 and a senior team captain.

I chose Maryland because it feels like home! I know this is the place for me to develop and thrive as a person and player!

Kyndal Walker

Guard, 5-9, Fr.
(St. John’s College)

Kyndal Walker is a 5-foot-9 guard from Burtonsville, Md., who attended St. John's College High School. She is a three-time First Team All-WCAC selection and WCAC tournament champion. Walker is the reigning D.C. Gatorade Player of the Year with averages of 16 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. She was also named to the Washington Post All-Met First Team and received a MaxPreps All-American Honorable Mention as a junior. Walker is ranked as the nation’s No. 36 recruit in the Class of 2024 by ESPNW.

I chose to come to Maryland because of my love for my hometown and the goals I've manifested of myself being here one day. For me, nothing would feel better than to show the world why the DMV produces the best basketball talent in America, but also be able to do it in a location where I'm from. I feel that winners should always want to surround themselves with other winners both on and off the court, making it a seamless match between me, my coaches, my teammates, and all of Terp Nation. I want to be a big part of something special under the guidance of Coach Frese and the entire coaching staff, and I believe it's time we get another National Title and a new floor to display at College Park and make more history.

Breanna Williams

Forward, 6-2, Fr.
(Skyview)

Breanna Williams is a 6-foot-2 forward named Montana Gatorade Player of the Year and MaxPreps High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year in back-to-back years. This past season, she led Skyview High School to a 24-0 record and a third-straight Class AA State Championship, averaging 25.2 points, 11.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 3.2 steals. Williams is a three-time Class AA Tournament MVP and a three-time Class AA First Team All-State selection. She is ranked as the No. 21 player in the class of 2024, per ASGR. The forward was also invited to the Under Armour Future 60 camp at IMG Academy and Elite 24 in Atlanta. She Played AAU basketball for the Northwest Blazers.

I decided to come to Maryland because of the connection I had with the coaches and the connection I made with the players while on my visit. It was very genuine, and I felt wanted. It ultimately felt like a home away from home for me. I want to play basketball at the highest level and compete for conference and national championships every year. The winning culture was what drove me here in addition, and I am able to play in front of thousands of fans who are passionate about Maryland as well. Not to mention I am fortunate to have the opportunity of receiving a high-quality education at the University of Maryland.

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