The Maryland women's basketball team's Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament, though ending in a loss against the formidable No. 1 seed South Carolina Gamecocks, has left a lasting impression of resilience and determination. Overcoming a significant deficit against No. 5 seed Alabama in the Round of 32 showcased their fighting spirit, and their competitive performance against Dawn Staley's Gamecocks underscored their potential. However, with a significant portion of their key players graduating, the Terrapins face a period of transition and roster reconstruction in the upcoming season.

Several non-senior players were instrumental to the team's success this year, but the ever-changing landscape of college basketball means their return is not guaranteed. Here's a closer look at some players whose future with Maryland is uncertain:

1. Saylor Poffenbarger: Poffenbarger started in 17 games and ranked as the team's sixth-leading scorer, averaging 9.1 points per game. With potential changes to the roster via the transfer portal, Poffenbarger may seek a more prominent role at another institution. Despite being a Maryland native, her history of transferring raises the possibility of her departure.

2. Bri McDaniel: McDaniel's season was cut short due to a season-ending injury sustained in mid-January. While she showed promise, her role and production had decreased before the injury, potentially leading her to explore other opportunities. Expected to recover by the start of next season, she would likely attract interest in the transfer portal.

3. Kaylene Smikle: Smikle emerged as Maryland's standout player this season. Although she has remaining eligibility, her exceptional performance might prompt her to consider entering the WNBA Draft. While a return to College Park is probable if she remains in college, her impressive showing late in the season and in the NCAA Tournament could accelerate her transition to the professional level.

In related news, Kevin Willard, former head coach of the Maryland Terrapins, is reportedly leaving the Big Ten to return to the Big East as the head coach of the Villanova Wildcats, according to ESPN's Jeff Borzello. This move concludes weeks of speculation that began when Villanova dismissed former head coach Kyle Neptune. Willard's outspoken concerns about Maryland's NIL spending further fueled the rumors.

"I need to see fundamental changes done. I want this program to be great. I want it to be the best in the country, I want to win a national championship, but there's things that need to change," Willard stated, emphasizing the need for improvements in NIL efforts. "I need to make sure that we are where we are with NIL, and rev share is not where we've been with NIL over the past two years. We've been one of the worst, if not lowest, in the NIL in the last two years. So, that's first and foremost."

Despite these challenges, Willard led Maryland to a 27-9 record and their first Sweet Sixteen appearance since 2016. His return to the Big East marks a reunion with the conference where he previously coached the Seton Hall Pirates for 12 seasons, achieving a 225-161 record, five NCAA Tournament appearances, and one Big East Tournament title. Since his departure, Seton Hall has not reached the NCAA Tournament.