Saylor Poffenbarger, a 6-2 freshman guard, will enter the transfer portal, UConn announced today.
Poffenbarger enrolled at UConn for the spring semester this year and played sparingly in 12 games last season.
She has been unable to practice regularly as she recovers from a series of injuries to her back, leg and shin. Her absence from practice gave an opportunity for Caroline Ducharme, also a 6-2 guard with very similar skills, to stand out among the freshmen this fall. Coach Geno Auriemma has praised Ducharme’s skillset, and she has been second off the bench in UConn’s exhibition game and their season opener against Arkansas.
The Middletown, Maryland native was ranked No. 30 in her class by ESPN, and the 13th best guard. It appeared that she might rank seventh among guards on the UConn team this season.
The team and the player were bland in their official statements.
“After talking to my family, I decided it’s in my best interest to enter my name into the transfer portal,” Poffenbarger said. “I’m grateful for my teammates, coaches, support staff and the fans for welcoming me to Storrs, and I wish them the best.”
Auriemma said Poffenbarger has “a lot of potential.”
“Wherever she goes, she’ll be able to reach her goals and benefit her future home,” he said. “We wish Saylor and her family the best as she continues her career.”
Poffenbarger played on the USA team that won gold at the 2019 FIBA Americas U16 Championship.