Gophers Women's Basketball Lands Proven UCF Guard in Transfer Portal

Minnesota adds experienced ball handler Leah Harmon from UCF to bolster backcourt

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:09pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric planes in navy blue, maroon, and gold, conceptually representing the fast-paced action and energy of a women's basketball game.A cubist interpretation of the dynamic action and energy of a women's basketball game, capturing the sport's intensity through a fragmented, geometric visual style.Kansas City Today

The University of Minnesota women's basketball team has landed a key transfer in Leah Harmon, a 5-foot-6 guard from the University of Central Florida (UCF). Harmon, who averaged 15.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game last season, will bring valuable experience and scoring punch to the Gophers' backcourt as they look to build on their Sweet 16 run from the previous season.

Why it matters

With the departures of starting guards Amaya Battle and Brylee Glenn, the Gophers were in need of an experienced ball handler to lead their offense. Harmon's addition provides that veteran presence and scoring ability to complement the team's young, talented core of Mara Braun, Grace Grocholski and Tori McKinney.

The details

Harmon, a native of Paterson, New Jersey, began her college career at the University of Miami before transferring to UCF. She had a breakout sophomore season with the Knights, highlighted by a 38-point performance against Kansas. Harmon's strong shooting percentages (40.1/36.8/83.9) and all-around production make her a valuable addition for the Gophers as they look to take the next step in their program's development.

  • Harmon committed to Minnesota via an Instagram post on April 16, 2026.
  • She averaged 15.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game during the 2025-26 season at UCF.

The players

Leah Harmon

A 5-foot-6 guard who played the first 20 games of the 2025-26 season at UCF, averaging 15.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game before suffering a season-ending injury.

Mara Braun

A returning guard for the Minnesota Gophers who will look to complement Harmon in the backcourt.

Grace Grocholski

Another returning guard for the Minnesota Gophers who will compete with Harmon for playing time in the team's backcourt.

Tori McKinney

A third returning guard for the Minnesota Gophers who will vie for minutes alongside Harmon and the other backcourt players.

Tori Oehrlein

A highly-touted incoming freshman guard for the Minnesota Gophers who will look to earn playing time alongside the veteran Harmon.

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What they’re saying

“lets do it!”

— Leah Harmon

What’s next

Harmon will compete for the starting point guard role with the Gophers, as Minnesota looks to replace the production of departed starters Amaya Battle and Brylee Glenn. Her veteran presence and scoring ability should help the Gophers build on their Sweet 16 run from last season.

The takeaway

The addition of Leah Harmon gives the Minnesota Gophers women's basketball team an experienced and proven scorer in the backcourt, filling a major need as they look to take the next step in their program's development. Harmon's arrival, combined with the team's talented returning core, has the Gophers poised for preseason top 25 expectations heading into the 2026-27 season.