Syracuse women’s basketball: wing Shy Hawkins announces return to Orange

TL;DR

Wing Shy Hawkins has announced her return to the Syracuse Orange for her junior year after briefly entering the transfer portal. This comes as the team faces significant player departures following the 2025-26 season.

Key points

Shy Hawkins announces return to Syracuse Orange
Played 32 games in the 2025-26 season
Syracuse losing several players to the transfer portal

Shy HawkinsSyracuse OrangeStanford CardinalOregon

SYRACUSE, NY - JANUARY 18: Guard Shy Hawkins #14 of the Syracuse Orange brings the ball up court during the second half of play of a women's college basketball game between the Stanford Cardinal and the Syracuse Orange on January 18, 2026, at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, NY. Syracuse Orange beat the Stanford Cardinal 69-58 (Photo by Orry Perce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images It’s been an active transfer portal period for the Syracuse Orange, but the team is getting back one player who initially appeared to be departing. Wing Shy Hawkins — who played in 32 games for the Orange in 2025-26, including 17 as a starter — announced in a post on social media that she is coming back to the program for her junior year. Hawkins had previously entered the transfer portal earlier this month. The former four-star from the class of 2024 averaged 5.4 points and 2.2 rebounds in 15.9 minutes per game. Hawkins’ return is notable considering Syracuse is losing a lot of names from its 2025-26 team, which made it to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament. As of Sunday, six players are departing via the portal: , , , . So far, Syracuse has secured a commitment from former forward . Syracuse is also returning star center Uche Izoje, plus Angelica Velez, Olivia Schmitt, Keira Scott, recruit Madison Howard, and now Hawkins.

Q&A

Why did Shy Hawkins initially enter the transfer portal?

Shy Hawkins entered the transfer portal earlier this month but has now decided to return to Syracuse for her junior year.

What were Shy Hawkins' stats during the 2025-26 season?

During the 2025-26 season, Shy Hawkins averaged 5.4 points and 2.2 rebounds in 15.9 minutes per game.

Who are the players leaving the Syracuse women's basketball team?

Six players are departing Syracuse via the transfer portal, including Camdyn Nelson, Justus Fitzgerald, Sophie Burrows, Maddie Potts, Jasmyn Cooper, and Aurora Almón.