Kentucky women’s basketball received a major boost on Friday, as Clara Strack officially announced she will return for her senior season in Lexington.
The news had been anticipated, as head coach Kenny Brooks previously indicated Strack would use her final year of eligibility after Kentucky’s Sweet 16 loss to Texas. Now, it’s official, and the Wildcats will once again be built around one of the top players in the SEC.
Strack, who began her collegiate career at Virginia Tech under Brooks before transferring
to Kentucky, is coming off a dominant season. The 6-foot-5 forward averaged 16.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, 1.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 49.3% from the field across 36 games. Her performance earned her All-SEC First Team and SEC All-Defensive Team honors while helping lead Kentucky to its first Sweet 16 appearance in a decade.
With multiple key departures to the WNBA Draft, including Teonni Key, Tonie Morgan, Amelia Hassett, and Jordan Obi, Strack’s return provides stability and star power. She will be joined by returning players like Asia Boone, Dominika Paurová, and Gabby Brooks, along with a strong incoming freshman class headlined by Maddyn Greenway, Savvy Swords, and Emily McDonald.
Brooks has also added talent through the transfer portal, including Ayanna Patterson from UConn and Diana Collins from Alabama, bringing the roster to nine players.
With Strack projected as a potential first-round pick in the 2027 WNBA Draft, Kentucky will look to build around its star as it aims for another deep postseason run.
