Illinois Women's Basketball Loses Sophomore Center to Transfer Portal

Hayven Smith announces plans to enter transfer portal after two seasons with the Illini.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:48am

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Illinois women's basketball has lost its first player to the transfer portal this offseason, as sophomore center Hayven Smith announced her plans to enter the portal on social media. Smith played in 19 games during her sophomore season, scoring two points against SEMO.

Why it matters

The transfer portal has become an increasingly common way for college athletes to change schools, and the loss of a player like Smith could impact the Illini's roster and rotation for the upcoming season.

The details

Hayven Smith, a sophomore center for the Illinois women's basketball team, announced on social media that she will be entering the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining. Smith played in 19 games during the 2025-26 season, scoring 2 points in a game against Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO).

  • Hayven Smith announced her plans to enter the transfer portal on March 28, 2026.

The players

Hayven Smith

A sophomore center who played for the Illinois women's basketball team for the past two seasons.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you to everyone at the University of Illinois who has supported me the last two years, you will always be special to me 🧡 I will be entering the transfer portal with two years of eligibility!”

— Hayven Smith

What’s next

Coaches will be able to contact Hayven Smith via direct message or phone starting on April 6, 2026 as she looks to transfer to a new school.

The takeaway

The loss of Hayven Smith to the transfer portal is an early setback for the Illinois women's basketball team, as they will need to replace her production and find a new option at the center position for the upcoming season.