Syracuse women’s basketball: wing Shy Hawkins announces return to Orange

SYRACUSE, NY - JANUARY 18: Guard Shy Hawkins #14 of the Syracuse Orange brings the ball up court during the second half of play of a women's college basketball game between the Stanford Cardinal and the Syracuse Orange on January 18, 2026, at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, NY. Syracuse Orange be

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What is the story about?

It’s been an active transfer portal period for the Syracuse Orange, but the team is getting back one player who initially appeared to be departing.

Wing Shy Hawkins — who played in 32 games for the Orange in 2025-26, including 17 as a starter — announced in a post on social media that she is coming back to the program for her junior year.

Hawkins had previously entered the transfer portal earlier this month. The former four-star from the class of 2024 averaged 5.4 points and 2.2 rebounds in 15.9 minutes

per game.

Hawkins’ return is notable considering Syracuse is losing a lot of names from its 2025-26 team, which made it to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament.

As of Sunday, six players are departing via the portal: Camdyn Nelson (Northwestern), Justus Fitzgerald, Sophie Burrows (UNC), Maddie Potts (St.Joseph’s), Jasmyn Cooper, and Aurora Almón.

So far, Syracuse has secured a commitment from former Oregon forward Sarah Rambus. Syracuse is also returning star center Uche Izoje, plus Angelica Velez, Olivia Schmitt, Keira Scott, recruit Madison Howard, and now Hawkins.