Following two consecutive Final Four appearances that ended in losses, Texas women’s basketball is entering a new era.
The Longhorns lost several key contributors this offseason, and while head coach Vic Schaefer retained junior guard Bryanna Preston and senior forward Madison Booker, the roster will look dramatically different heading into the new season.
To help reload, the program secured the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class, bringing in a group that can contribute immediately.
Amalia Holguin — freshman guard
The four-star guard arrives from Newport Beach, Calif. after earning MVP honors at the Nike Tournament of Champions, Jordan Brand Classic and Pacific Coast League during her senior season. Ranked No. 47 nationally by ESPN, Holguin also trained under the late Kobe Bryant at the Sports Academy, previously known as the Mamba Sports Academy.
“Amalia will bring instant offense and a competitive spirit to our program immediately,” Schaefer said. “Her ability to stretch the floor is a much-needed asset and will make us that much harder to defend as a team.”
Aaliah “Lizzy” Spaight — freshman guard
Five-star point guard Aaliah “Lizzy” Spaight headlines the backcourt additions. The Las Vegas native was ranked No. 15 nationally by ESPN and the No. 4 point guard in the country by the 247Sports Composite rankings. Spaight played for a national championship on the Nike EYBL circuit, leading the tournament in scoring at 26.3 points per game and steals at 2.7, while averaging 5.1 assists.
“I chose Texas because it’s a place that feels like a perfect fit,” Spaight said. “It will push me to be a better person and player on and off the court and compete for championships.”
Addison Bjorn — freshman guard
Perhaps the most highly anticipated addition, Bjorn is a five-star guard from Parkville, Mo. Ranked No. 10 in the class of 2026 by ESPN, Bjorn was named Missouri’s 2025 Gatorade Player of the Year. She also earned a 2025 Naismith Award Honorable Mention All-American selection.
She also brings international experience as a three-time gold medalist with USA Basketball and is ranked the No. 2 small forward in the country by 247Sports.
“Addison is someone we have been recruiting for a long time now and it’s great to finally add her to our Longhorn family,” Schaefer said. “Addison will bring toughness, hard work and a competitive spirit along with an incredible skill set being able to score at all three levels.”
Brihanna Crittendon — freshman forward
Crittendon is expected to add even more size and versatility to the frontcourt. From Thornton, Colo., Crittendon was ranked No. 12 in the class of 2026 by ESPN and became Colorado high school basketball’s all-time leading scorer. Crittendon also led her school to its first state championship.
“Texas was everything I was looking for,” Crittendon said. “The culture, the players, the staff and the environment. Add in the University’s strong commitment to women’s sports and it just felt right. … I’m excited to be a Longhorn.”
Isi Etute — freshman guard
Texas rounded out the class with five-star forward Isi Etute, originally from Dudelange, Luxembourg. After moving to the United States to attend IMG Academy, Etute averaged 17.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game while shooting 52% from the field during her senior season.
“I chose Texas because I see myself competing at an elite level,” Etute said. “I truly believe (Schaefer) will bring out the best in me as a player.”
With five freshmen and two transfers joining the roster, Texas will look far different from the team that reached consecutive Final Fours. But despite the turnover, expectations have not changed.
As Booker potentially enters her final collegiate season, the pressure remains on the Longhorns to deliver the national title that has eluded the program for decades.
