Featured image: UT Martin players cheer on their teammate during the basketball game against Tennessee Tech on Feb. 26, 2026, at the Elam Center in Martin, Tenn. (Pacer Photo/ Kaniya Anthony)

The transfer portal is a very controversial topic in the world of NCAA sports, but for now it is here to stay and this is how the UT Martin Skyhawks women’s basketball team has been affected.

On Thursday, April 9, 2026, the longest tenured UT Martin women’s basketball player, junior guard Kenley McCarn announced on Instagram that she will enter the transfer portal.

Players that have entered include sophomore guard Grace Billington, junior forward Norah Clark, freshman guard Nyjha Webster, freshman forward Yar Tong, freshman forward Cam Ward, freshman guard Sidney Blackwell and others.

With these players entering the transfer portal, BCAT hall of fame head coach Kevin McMillan has some work to do.

The toughest loss for the Skyhawks is McCarn who started and played in all 30 games this past season. McCarn averaged 15.8 points per game (PPG) and 5.3 rebounds per game (RPG) on the season. She also added 50 total steals. McCarn was praised by teammates for her hard work and dedication on and off the courts. McCarn also has previously given praise to many teammates and assistant coach Shane Sisco.

The second leading scorer for the Skyhawks, Sophomore forward Zy Thompson, has also decided to throw her name into the transfer portal pot. Thompson averaged 10.9 PPG while leading the team in rebounds at 5.9 RPG. Thompson was a key post player for the Skyhawks, although she struggled at the free throw line having the most attempts at 119 only converting 68 of them shooting just above .500.

On top of losing Thompson, the Skyhawks also lose two young forwards in Ward and Tong. The two freshmen had bright futures as the next key post players for the Skyhawks but have ultimately decided to test the transfer portal waters.

Other big hits for McMillan’s Skyhawks are Billington and junior guard Brittani Wells. Billington, a Murray State transfer, only averaged 5.4 PPG but served as a spot up shooter, stepping up for the Skyhawks in a few games. Wells was also a top guard for UT Martin averaging 8.9 PPG and being the only player along side McCarn to play in and start all 30 games.

Clark is another big that has entered the transfer portal. Although Clark is a junior, she had flashes of being next up for the Skyhawks. Injuries did hold Clark back slightly, but she was an all around team player and had high praise from both teammates and coaches. Clark averaged 6.7 PPG and 2.7 RPG.

A key piece McMillan was able to hold onto is Freshman guard Sidni Middleton. Middleton has a bright future as a Skyhawk. She averaged 9.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 37 total assist and 31 total steals. Middleton was able to accumulate these stats while playing only 26 games, starting in 22. Middleton also had the highest free throw percentage at .928 making 64 of 69 attempts.

Other players that plan to return are freshman forward Kennedy Horton, senior guard Destinee Wells and freshman forward Mikayla Lambert.

With Just four girls remaining from the past season McMillan will now begin the recruiting process in an attempt to get the Skyhawk women’s basketball team back on track.