As of Tuesday, April 8, the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team is faring the waves of the NCAA transfer portal with significant movement. Following an Elite Eight loss to UCLA, the Tigers are actively retooling their roster for next season. Here’s the latest on who’s in and who’s out of Baton Rouge via the transfer portal.
LSU Women’s Basketball Transfer Portal Updates
The transfer portal window is in full swing, and LSU has already lost significant talent. The most notable exit is Sa’Myah Smith, the star forward whose postseason surge made her a fan favorite. Two others, Last-Tear Poa and Aalyah Del Rosario, have followed her out the door.
Who’s In
C Kate Koval, Notre Dame: A 6-foot-5 sophomore center, Koval committed to LSU from Notre Dame on Monday, April 7. The 2024 five-star recruit brings size, skill, and physicality to the frontcourt. Mulkey, who recruited her out of high school, sees her as a perfect fit.
Who’s Out
F Sa’Myah Smith: Sa’Myah Smith’s departure is a big blow. The redshirt sophomore forward entered the portal after three seasons, shining in the 2024-25 postseason with 11 points per game and two double-doubles. Recovering from a 2023-24 knee injury (torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus), she’s a versatile talent with eligibility left.
G Last-Tear Poa: Last-Tear Poa, a 5’11” guard, hit the portal this week. She averaged two points per game in 2024-25 after joining LSU in 2022-23 from Northwest Florida State. An NCAA ruling grants her an extra year as a JUCO transfer. Her exit trims backcourt depth.
C Aalyah Del Rosario: Del Rosario, a former five-star center, entered the portal on Monday, April 7. She struggled to find a consistent role in two seasons at LSU and fell short of expectations.
LSU’s 2025 Outlook
The incoming transfer, Koval, brings some promise, but losing Smith, Poa, and Del Rosario will significantly damage the team. With the portal still open and Morrow heading to the WNBA, Mulkey faces a roster overhaul.
Women’s Transfer Portal: The Top 10 Players Who Could Shake Up College Hoops
Returning stars like Flau’Jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams provide a foundation, but more frontcourt and backcourt help will be needed.
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