Mark Kellogg Makes Good on WVU Women’s Basketball Portal Goals

WVU women’s basketball was coming off a historic season, but a new challenge awaited head coach Mark Kellogg. Between five graduations and four portal entries, there were just two players set to return for the 2026-27 season: guard Gia Cooke and Madison Parrish.

Even just moments after leaving the court following the team’s season-ending Round of 32 loss to Kentucky, Kellogg knew utilizing the transfer portal would be key to building next season’s roster.

“We do need some kids out of the transfer portal to come in and play and play right away,” Kellogg said.

Kellogg has done just that, bringing in redshirt senior guard/forward Zahira Walton who averaged 18.1 points per game last season at George Mason. He also landed her teammate, senior guard Kennedy Harris, who averaged 14.1 points per game. Both players made the 2026 A10 All-Conference First Team.

Kellogg has also made strides with the front court in the portal, bringing in UCF starting center Khyala Ngodu, who averaged 10.6 points and seven rebounds per game. More recently, senior forward Skylar Forbes signed with the team from Marquette after averaging 15.5 points and 4.9 points per game.

Marquette Transfer F Skylar Forbes Signs With WVU Women’s Basketball

WVU also received commitments from two Pitt transfers: guard Nylah Wilson and forward Divine Tumba Tshibuabua. Wilson averaged 4.2 points per game in six appearances as Tshibuabua did not play last season.

Size difference has hurt the team in seasons past, as the Mountaineers were out-rebounded 39-23 in the loss to Kentucky. While size is a positive, Kellogg said he would rather have production in the post and character in the locker room next season.

“If we can continue to find height, that’s great. But if height doesn’t produce, then I’m not overly interested in that either,” Kellogg said. “So it’s just finding the right kids that fit, that want to be here, that like what we’re doing, the direction the program is going.”

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