First Insight into 2024-25 Women’s Basketball Team

Fans and media alike got their first glimpse of the 2024-25 Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team in the annual Orange and White Scrimmage.  The first half saw play with the roster divided seven-aside.  In the second half the women took on the men’s practice squad. 

The biggest anticipation of the game was the return of senior Rori Harmon (#3).  Harmon played in 12 games before suffering a season-ending knee injury on December 27, 2023 during a pre-game shoot-around.  Her injury was a major disappointment after an impressive freshman season and a stellar sophomore campaign were she was name AP and WBCA All-American honorable mention and Texas Basketball Coaches Association Player of the Year. 

Harmon was in excellent spirits for the scrimmage, dancing a jig at the opening introduction to demonstrate her recovery.  Only time will tell how much of her mobility she has recovered. 

The season sees the return of four starters. 

Sophomore Madison Booker (#35) looked noticeably leaning after adjusting her diet during the off-season. Book was recently added to the 2025 Cheryl Miller Award for small forwards, an award she received in 2024. Booker was voted Preseason Player of the Year for in the SEC by the coaches, and one of five preseason All-Americans recognized by the AP for the upcoming season

Sassy senior Aaliyah Moore (#23) took the pre-game court as if it were a coronation.  Surprisingly, Moore played without the knee brace that was her companion during her junior year.  Moore was  named to the 20-player watch list for the 2025 Katrina McClain Award for power forwards.  Last season Moore was a 2024 All-Big 12 Second Team honoree and was named to the Big 12 All-Tournament Team. 

Also returning are fifth-year senior Shay Holle (#10) and senior Taylor Jones (#44). 

Longhorns scored some very interesting transfers.  Senior Laila Phelia (#5) comes to Texas after three seasons at Michigan.  Phelia was named to the 20-player watch list for the 2025 Ann Meyers Drysdale Award for shooting guards. 

Also coming to the team is Kyla Oldacre (#00), a junior transfer from Miami.  Oldacre, at 6-6, was a dominant force in the paint during the scrimmage. 

Texas recruited very well, adding Jordan Lee (#7), ranked 9th in the 2024 class by ESPN, Justice Carlton (#11), ranked 12th, and Bryanna Preston (#1), ranked 38th. 

Not returning this season is sophomore guard Gisella Maul who will join the Cal Berkeley Golden Bears, 5thyear senior forward DeYona Gaston going to the Auburn Tigers.