Lobo females set the stage for summer initiatives with elevated aspirations

In the Kitchen with Coach Bradbury:

Mike Bradbury, UNM's long-standing women's basketball coach, knows a thing or two about promising recipes gone awry. But as the gang's all here for 2025-26, he's got his best chef's hat and a kitchen stocked with intriguing ingredients.

This week, the Lobos kicked off summer workouts with most of their 13-player roster in tow—save one. It's a balanced blend of returnees, junior college transfers, and fresh meat that's got Bradbury salivating, brimming with size, athleticism, and raw talent.

"We've got all the good stuff," Bradbury chuckles. "We're young, and who knows how it'll all turn out, but we're lookin' pretty good. I reckon we've got a shot at bein' really great. Things are shaping up nicely compared to last year."

Last season, the odds were stacked against the Lobos. They started off with just four returning players—one starter—and were short on an experienced point guard. To make matters worse, 6-foot-3 transfer post Clarissa Craig was floored by a shoulder injury in October, sidelining her for the entire season.

But just like a skilled chef overcoming a kitchen disaster, the Lobos turned lemons into lemonade. After a slow start, they managed a respectable 18-14 (11-7 in Mountain West play) finish, tying for fourth place in conference.

The Lobos have said goodbye to star players Viané Cumber and Hulda Joaquim, but the core is holding strong. Alyssa Hargrove, Destinee Hooks, and Joana Magalhäes will all be back for more, with Hooks earning All-MWC Honorable Mention last season, and Magalhäes named to the league's All-Freshman team.

The returners are joined by some promising new faces. WBCA National JUCO Player of the Year Cacia Antonio, a 5-11 guard, and posts Emma Najjuma (6-4) and Jessie Joaquim (6-2) are all aboard, bolstering UNM's ranks.

The freshman class—5-6 point guard Laila Abdurraqib, 5-9 guard Tyler Jones, 6-2 guard/forward Kaia Foster, and 6-1 forward Leonor Peixinho—are ready to make their mark, starting with summer workouts.

But expect some fierce competition, Bradbury warns.

"This is gonna be one heck of a war," he grins. "The vets have the advantage of knowing our system, but our newcomers? They're lookin' mighty fine. I can't tell you who'll be starters, but one thing's for certain: It ain't gonna be a walk in the park. The next few months are gonna be a doozy, and I can tell you this much—we're way ahead of where we were last year. We're excited, dang it!"

Lucky 13?: Provided there are no surprises, UNM looks set to stick with a 13-player roster come next season. The Lobos have put the recruitment brakes on, but if a golden opportunity pops up, they'll be ready to snatch it with both hands.

"Don't count on it," Bradbury says, "but if there's a jewel that fits our puzzle, we'll take a peek. I'd say the odds are 99:1 that we'll carry just the 13 we've got. But that's just June. Folks, we're fired up about this team!"

Landing Spots: The dust has settled on the transfer portal, and as the sun sets on their UNM tenure, five alumni have found new homes:

• Lara Langermann, 5-7, jr., G, Albany• Paris Lauro, 6-0, jr., G, Weber State• Lydie Mwamba, 5-9, sr., G, Liberty• Reza Po, 5-2, soph., PG, East Texas A&M• Lilli Hakkarainen, 5-7, soph., G, UT Tyler (Division II)

Lauro is set to rejoin former teammate Hannah Robbins at Weber State, while Little Rock and Lindenwood have nabbed multiple commits and transfers[1][2][4]. But fear not, UNM fans, as the focus remains firmly on propelling the Lobos to new heights.

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[1] Transfer Portal Tracker: Division I Women's Basketball

[2] Big 12 women's basketball: Texas, Oklahoma, Texas Tech make noise in transfer portal

[3] NCAA removes scholarship limitations for Division I basketball, severe penalties enacted for violations

[4] Transfer Portal Tracker: Lindenwood

[5] UNM Athletics: UNM Lobo Women's Basketball

"Coach Bradbury seems enthusiastic about the upcoming basketball season, with a strong roster that includes a promising recruit such as Cacia Antonio. The Lobos are looking forward to fierce competition amongst their players, hoping to improve upon their performance from last year."

"Despite the departure of star players like Viané Cumber and Hulda Joaquim, UNM's women's basketball coach Mike Bradbury has high hopes for the 2025-26 basketball season, with exciting newcomers joining the returning players, like Alyssa Hargrove, Destinee Hooks, and Joana Magalhäes."