Rutgers Women's Basketball Faces Major Roster Overhaul in 2026 Offseason

New coach Gary Redus II looks to rebuild after several key transfers and departures.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting in bold red, blue, and white hues, capturing the dynamic energy and movement of a women's basketball game in an abstract, deconstructed style.A cubist interpretation of the roster upheaval facing Rutgers women's basketball as the program transitions to new leadership.Easton Today

Rutgers women's basketball is undergoing a significant roster shakeup in the 2026 offseason, with the team's previous head coach Coquese Washington departing after four seasons. The Scarlet Knights have landed four new transfer players, including Jaylah Lampley, Mary Akinde, and twins Mia and Mya Pauldo. However, five players from the 2025-26 roster, including Nene Ndiaye and Antonia Bates, have entered the transfer portal. Rutgers has hired Gary Redus II, an assistant coach under Kim Mulkey at LSU, as the new head coach to lead the program's rebuilding efforts.

Why it matters

Rutgers women's basketball has struggled in recent years, finishing last in the Big Ten last season with a 9-20 record. The roster overhaul, including key departures and new transfer additions, signals a critical transition period for the program as it looks to rebound under new leadership and a revamped roster.

The details

Rutgers was able to add four new players through the transfer portal, including Jaylah Lampley from Mississippi State, Mary Akinde from Barton Community College, and twins Mia and Mya Pauldo, who are transferring from Tennessee. However, five players from last season's roster have entered the transfer portal, including Nene Ndiaye, Yacine Ndiaye, Antonia Bates, Makylah Moore, and Janae Walker. Rutgers has hired Gary Redus II, an assistant coach under Kim Mulkey at LSU, as the new head coach to lead the program's rebuilding efforts.

  • Rutgers finished the 2025-26 season with a 9-20 record and was last in the Big Ten (1-17).
  • Coquese Washington announced she was stepping down as Rutgers' head coach after four seasons on Monday.
  • Gary Redus II was named the new Rutgers women's basketball head coach.

The players

Jaylah Lampley

A 6-1 guard from Indiana who averaged 8.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in 30 games as a freshman at Mississippi State.

Mary Akinde

A 6-5 player who averaged 10.8 points and 10.5 rebounds in 30 minutes per game at Barton Community College in Kansas.

Mia Pauldo

A 5-6 guard who was a 2025 McDonald's All-American and Gatorade Player of the Year in high school. She averaged 10.4 points this past season at Tennessee.

Mya Pauldo

Mia's 5-6 twin sister, who appeared in 27 games and averaged just under 10 minutes per game at Tennessee.

Gary Redus II

The new Rutgers women's basketball head coach, who spent the last four seasons as an assistant coach under Kim Mulkey at LSU.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to be the next women's basketball coach at Rutgers University. I am no stranger to the rich history of basketball here at Rutgers and I look forward to building on that legacy as we move the program forward.”

— Gary Redus II, New Rutgers Women's Basketball Head Coach

“I am thankful to Rutgers for the opportunity to lead the women's basketball program for the past four years, as it has been a wonderful journey for me and my family.”

— Coquese Washington, Former Rutgers Women's Basketball Head Coach

What’s next

Redus will look to quickly rebuild the Rutgers roster and establish a new culture as he takes over the program.

The takeaway

Rutgers women's basketball is undergoing a major transition, with a new head coach in Gary Redus II tasked with rebuilding the program after several key departures. The roster overhaul signals a critical period for the Scarlet Knights as they aim to rebound from a disappointing 2025-26 season.