The LSU women’s basketball team is experiencing a significant roster transformation this offseason, marked by the departure of six players already to the NCAA transfer portal. The latest to exit is guard Mjracle Sheppard, adding to a growing list of key contributors seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Will HC Kim Mulkey’s squad be able to recoup their losses and reload their roster?
LSU Women’s Roster Overhaul: Six Players Depart Tigers Amid Offseason Turmoil
Mjracle Sheppard, who transferred to LSU from Mississippi State last season, has entered the transfer portal, becoming the sixth player to leave the program this offseason.
BREAKING: LSU’s Mjracle Sheppard has entered the transfer portal, sources told @On3sports.
The 5-10 sophomore averaged 3.9 ppg this season.
TRACKER: https://t.co/StsxDxjlYl pic.twitter.com/KK6SdE1yMr
— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) April 22, 2025
Sheppard played in 32 games for LSU, averaging 3.9 points and 2.3 rebounds per game. Her departure follows those of Sa’Myah Smith, Amani Bartlett, Last-Tear Poa, Aalyah Del Rosario, and Jersey Wolfenbarger.
Sa’Myah Smith, a redshirt sophomore forward, told the press that she would continue playing at Virginia. She has hit the target of 6.6 points and 6.4 rebounds on average per game.
Last-Tear Poa, a senior guard who has contributed 2.0 points and 1.9 assists per game, has decided to play for Arizona State. Meanwhile, Aalyah Del Rosario, who contributed 2.0 points and 2.0 rebounds per game, is on her way to Vanderbilt.
Jersey Wolfenbarger, a junior forward, is also looking for a new team after recording 4.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. Amani Bartlett, a really talented player, although she is still undecided and has not committed to any college.
The exodus of these players indicates a significant shift in LSU’s roster composition, leaving the program with several key positions to fill ahead of the upcoming season.
LSU Leader Flau’jae Johnson Addresses Team Departures
Amid the roster changes, standout guard Flau’jae Johnson has opted to return for her senior season, foregoing the 2025 WNBA Draft. Johnson, who averaged 11.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, expressed her thoughts on the departures during her podcast, stating she has mixed emotions.
“When my teammates be [sic] going in the portal, I don’t know how to feel, bruh… I don’t know how to feel when my teammates go in the portal.”
She noted that often, she learns about transfers only after they are publicly announced.
Johnson’s decision is motivated by the hope that she could earn more revenue via NIL opportunities and the belief that a stronger WNBA collective bargaining agreement will be in place by 2026. She is currently worth roughly $1.5 million in NIL, so the best decision for her to stay in school actually pays off economically.
RELATED: LSU Transfer 5’11” Senior Last-Tear Poa Commits to Arizona State
As the team navigates these transitions, Johnson’s leadership and experience will be pivotal in guiding the remaining and incoming players through the upcoming season.
With significant departures and the return of key players like Johnson, LSU’s women’s basketball program faces a period of rebuilding and adaptation. The coaching staff will need to strategically utilize the transfer portal and incoming recruits to reestablish the team’s competitive edge in the Southeastern Conference.
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