Utah adds Big 12 transfer in former Oklahoma State guard Lena Girardi

Oklahoma State guard Lena Girardi (2) dribbles the ball during an NCAA basketball game against St. John's, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 in New York. St. John's won 74-67. | Vera Nieuwenhuis

For the second time this week, the Utah women’s basketball program got a commitment from a transfer in the Big 12 footprint.

That seems appropriate, considering the Utes have seen four of their players transferring out go to other Big 12 schools.

This time, the commitment came from former Oklahoma State guard Lena Girardi, who announced Thursday on social media that she will transfer to Gavin Petersen’s program.

Who is Lena Girardi?

Girardi is a 5-foot-10 guard from New York who played her freshman season at Oklahoma State and will have three years of eligibility remaining.

As a true freshman for Jacie Hoyt’s club, she averaged 7.8, 2.1 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game.

Girardi shot 43.6% from the floor and was a reliable 3-point shooter for Oklahoma State, making 51 on the season at a 39.8% clip. She averaged nearly two made 3-pointers per game.

She had 11 games where she scored in double-figures, mostly during nonconference play.

Girardi is the daughter of former Major League Baseball player and manager Joe Girardi.

How does Lena Girardi fit into Utah’s 2026-27 plans?

Girardi is an excellent addition to a Utah roster that is in flux after seeing six players — including four underclassmen — hit the transfer portal.

With guards LA Sneed (committed to Oklahoma State), Avery Hjelmstad (TCU), Brooke Walker (Colorado) and Grace Foster all entering the portal, the Utes were in need of some experience in the backcourt.

Former Kansas guard Laia Conesa also committed to the Utes this week, though she has one year of eligibility remaining.