Former Virginia Tech Forward Carys Baker Transfers to Rival ACC Program

Baker, a Second Team All-ACC selection, will join Louisville women's basketball for her final season of eligibility.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:06pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the motion and energy of a women's basketball game, with overlapping shapes and planes in the colors of the Louisville and Virginia Tech uniforms.Carys Baker's transfer from Virginia Tech to Louisville adds an experienced, battle-tested forward to the Cardinals' young core.Duluth Today

Carys Baker, a 6-foot-2 forward who was a Second Team All-ACC selection at Virginia Tech last season, has announced her transfer to Louisville. Baker, whose father Vin Baker played 13 seasons in the NBA, averaged 14.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game for the Hokies in 2025-26 before entering the transfer portal.

Why it matters

Baker's transfer is a significant addition for Louisville, which lost its top two frontcourt players to graduation and the transfer portal. The Cardinals are looking to build on a Sweet 16 appearance last season, and Baker's scoring, rebounding, and experience in the ACC will be valuable assets as they aim to compete for a conference title.

The details

As a sophomore at Virginia Tech in 2024-25, Baker averaged 12.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. She then broke out as a junior, starting all 33 games and posting career-highs of 14.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest. Baker scored 20 or more points 10 times and earned Second Team All-ACC honors. She saved some of her best for last, recording two double-doubles in the NCAA Tournament, including a 21-point, 14-rebound performance against Oregon in the Hokies' first-round loss.

  • Baker entered the transfer portal on April 4, 2026.
  • Baker committed to Louisville on April 14, 2026.

The players

Carys Baker

A 6-foot-2 forward who was a Second Team All-ACC selection at Virginia Tech last season, averaging 14.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.

Vin Baker

Carys Baker's father, who played 13 seasons in the NBA and was a 4-time All-Star.

Megan Duffy

The head coach of the Virginia Tech women's basketball team, who is overseeing a significant roster overhaul this offseason.

Jeff Walz

The head coach of the Louisville women's basketball team, who is entering his 20th season and is looking to build on a Sweet 16 appearance last year.

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What’s next

Baker will have one year of eligibility remaining at Louisville and will look to help the Cardinals build on their Sweet 16 appearance last season.

The takeaway

Carys Baker's transfer to Louisville is a significant addition for the Cardinals, as they look to replace key frontcourt production and continue their run of success under head coach Jeff Walz. Baker's scoring, rebounding, and experience in the ACC will be valuable assets as Louisville aims to compete for a conference title and make another deep NCAA Tournament run.