The North Carolina Women's Basketball program is demonstrating significant strength and ambition in its recruiting efforts, solidifying its position among the nation's elite teams. Under Coach Courtney Banghart, the team continues to attract top-tier talent, both domestically and internationally, setting a promising trajectory for upcoming seasons.

A recent key addition to the roster is Russian wing Elizaveta Astakhova, who has committed to North Carolina and is expected to join the women's basketball program next season. Her commitment further diversifies the team's international presence, making her the fourth player on Banghart’s roster with international ties. She joins freshmen Taissa Queiroz from Brazil and Taliyah Henderson from Canada, as well as UCLA transfer Elina Aarnisalo from Finland, highlighting a global approach to talent acquisition.

The program's recruiting success is underscored by its impressive standing in national rankings. UNC Women's Basketball is notably ranked No. 5 in ESPN’s 2025 Recruiting Rankings, a position that places them among perennial powerhouses like UConn and South Carolina. This high ranking is a testament to the quality of recruits being brought into the program and the strategic development under Coach Banghart.

A significant part of this strong recruiting class is five-star wing Nyla Brooks, an incoming freshman who brings dazzling skills and a supreme level of confidence to the UNC Women's Basketball team. Her abilities and self-assuredness were clearly displayed in her all-star game performances, including a standout showing at the Jordan Brand Classic where she scored an impressive 28 points. Brooks, hailing from Alexandria, Virginia, is expected to make an immediate impact on the court.

Looking ahead, North Carolina is also actively pursuing future talent, with Amari Byles, the No. 18-ranked basketball recruit in the Class of 2026, scheduled to visit the campus on October 3rd. Byles, a 6-foot-2 forward, represents the continued commitment of the program to securing top prospects for sustained success. These strategic recruitments and high national rankings collectively paint a picture of a robust and competitive future for UNC Women's Basketball.