Clara Strack announces her return to Kentucky
TL;DR
Clara Strack has officially announced her return for her senior season with the Kentucky Wildcats women's basketball team. The forward, coming off a standout season, will continue to be a key player in the SEC.
Key points
- Clara Strack returns for her senior season at Kentucky
- Strack averaged 16.9 points and 10.1 rebounds last season
- She was named to the All-SEC First Team and SEC All-Defensive Team
- Kentucky reached the Sweet 16 for the first time in a decade
Mentioned in this story
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - DECEMBER 19: Clara Strack #13 of the Kentucky Wildcats looks on in the fourth quarter against the Wright State Raiders at Memorial Coliseum on December 19, 2025 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Kentucky women’s basketball received a major boost on Friday, as Clara Strack officially announced she will return for her senior season in Lexington.
The news had been anticipated, as head coach Kenny Brooks previously indicated Strack would use her final year of eligibility after Kentucky’s Sweet 16 loss to Texas. Now, it’s official, and the Wildcats will once again be built around one of the top players in the SEC.
Strack, who began her collegiate career at Virginia Tech under Brooks before transferring to Kentucky, is coming off a dominant season. The 6-foot-5 forward averaged 16.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, 1.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 49.3% from the field across 36 games. Her performance earned her All-SEC First Team and SEC All-Defensive Team honors while helping lead Kentucky to its first Sweet 16 appearance in a decade.
With multiple key departures to the WNBA Draft, including Teonni Key, Tonie Morgan, Amelia Hassett, and Jordan Obi, Strack’s return provides stability and star power. She will be joined by returning players like Asia Boone, Dominika Paurová, and Gabby Brooks, along with a strong incoming freshman class headlined by Maddyn Greenway, Savvy Swords, and Emily McDonald.
Brooks has also added talent through the transfer portal, including Ayanna Patterson from UConn and Diana Collins from Alabama, bringing the roster to nine players.
With Strack projected as a potential first-round pick in the 2027 WNBA Draft, Kentucky will look to build around its star as it aims for another deep postseason run.
Q&A
What are Clara Strack's stats from last season at Kentucky?
Clara Strack averaged 16.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, 1.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 49.3% from the field.
Why is Clara Strack's return significant for Kentucky women's basketball?
Her return is significant as she is one of the top players in the SEC and will help strengthen the Wildcats after their Sweet 16 appearance.
Where did Clara Strack play before transferring to Kentucky?
Clara Strack began her collegiate career at Virginia Tech before transferring to Kentucky.