Women’s Basketball: Ava Black enters NCAA Transfer Portal

The freshman guard averaged 2.8 points and 2.3 rebounds per game this season.

Ava Black takes a jumpshot, as photographed on March 21, 2026. (Hustler Multimedia/Rachel Loomis)

By Henry Oelhafen, Sports Editor

Apr 11, 2026

Vanderbilt guard Ava Black has officially entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, per her own instagram. The freshman guard averaged 2.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.6 assists on an average of 10.2 minutes played per game this season.

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The New Hampshire native never earned significant playing time this season, primarily being used against schools in the nonconference slate. She hit double digit points just once this season against Alabama State on 22 minutes played, but she still had a big learning curve as a freshman in the SEC. She seemed to gain the trust of the coaching staff as the season went on, logging more minutes as SEC play wrapped up. But with an already crowded backcourt for next season, headlined by Mikayla Blakes and Aubrey Galvan, Black has opted to take her talents elsewhere.

This departure marks the first player for head coach Shea Ralph to enter the portal, giving the fifth-year head coach another spot to craft her 2026-27 roster. Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda, Justine Pissott, Jada Brown and Sacha Washington are also all out of eligibility.

About the Contributors

Henry Oelhafen, Former Sports Editor

Henry Oelhafen (‘26) was a student in Peabody College and majored in human & organizational development and minored in English. He previously served as Deputy Sports Editor and produced Live from West End, The Hustler’s sports podcast. He loves to talk about all sports, particularly professional and amateur golf. In addition to writing, he loves to hike, try new restaurants and play golf with friends. He can be reached at [email protected].

Rachel Loomis, Staff Photographer

Rachel Loomis (‘28) is from Syracuse, New York, and is double majoring in psychology and human and organizational development. Outside of The Hustler, Rachel enjoys working out, drinking iced coffee and watching sports. She can be reached at [email protected].

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