Wisconsin women's basketball has signed SoCon Player of the Year Caia Elisaldez and Kyrah Daniels has withdrawn from the transfer portal to return for her senior season.
Key points
Wisconsin women's basketball signs Caia Elisaldez
Kyrah Daniels withdraws from the transfer portal
Daniels will return for her senior season
Wisconsin has made multiple signings from the transfer portal
The Badgers, who picked up two former Iowa Hawkeyes as well as the Northeast Conference player of the year from the transfer portal last week, scored two more portal wins Thursday, April 23.
The first involved Kyrah Daniels, who reportedly pulled her name from the transfer portal and will return to the Badgers for her senior season.
The other involved the addition of Caia Elisaldez, a 5-foot-5 point guard from Chattaooga who was the Southern Conference player of the year this season.
“Caia is a dynamic guard who brings toughness, skill and a strong understanding of the game,” UW coach Robin Pingeton said in a press release. “A great floor general and an elite facilitator, she also excels at attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line.”
Wisconsin forward Gift Uchenna attempts a shot during the Badgers' WBIT semifinal loss to Columbia on March 30, 2026, at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas. It ended UW's 2025-26 season with a 16-18 record.
Q&A
Who is Caia Elisaldez and why is she significant for Wisconsin?
Caia Elisaldez is the Southern Conference Player of the Year, and her signing is a major addition to the Wisconsin women's basketball team.
What does Kyrah Daniels' withdrawal from the transfer portal mean for Wisconsin?
Kyrah Daniels' decision to withdraw from the transfer portal allows her to return for her senior season, strengthening the team's roster.
What other players has Wisconsin women's basketball signed recently?
Recently, Wisconsin women's basketball signed two former Iowa Hawkeyes and the Northeast Conference Player of the Year from the transfer portal.
When did Kyrah Daniels announce her decision to return to Wisconsin?
Kyrah Daniels announced her decision to withdraw from the transfer portal on April 23.
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Wisconsin guard Ronnie Porter directs the offense.
Wisconsin forward Gift Uchenna drives toward the paint.
Wisconsin forward Destiny Howell attempts a shot over Columbia guard Mia Broom.
Wisconsin guard Kyrah Daniels looks across the court.
Wisconsin center Dorja Zoja is tightly defended by Columbia forward Eriny Erinugha.
Wisconsin coach Robin Pingeton instructs her team.
Wisconsin center Dorja Zaja looks to pass.
Wisconsin guard Laci Steele attempts a shot over Columbia guard Susie Raifu.
Wisconsin guard Lily Krahn attempts a shot.
Wisconsin guard Destiny Howell defends an inbound pass by guard/forward Perri Page.
Wisconsin center Dorja Zaja attempts a free throw.
Wisconsin guard Lily Krahn finds an opening in Columbia's defense.
Wisconsin coach Robin Pingeton gestures from the sideline.
1 / 14
See photos from Wisconsin Badgers' WBIT semifinal loss vs Columbia
Wisconsin forward Gift Uchenna attempts a shot during the Badgers' WBIT semifinal loss to Columbia on March 30, 2026, at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas. It ended UW's 2025-26 season with a 16-18 record.
1 / 14
See photos from Wisconsin Badgers' WBIT semifinal loss vs Columbia
Wisconsin forward Gift Uchenna attempts a shot during the Badgers' WBIT semifinal loss to Columbia on March 30, 2026, at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas. It ended UW's 2025-26 season with a 16-18 record.
2 / 14
See photos from Wisconsin Badgers' WBIT semifinal loss vs Columbia
Wisconsin guard Ronnie Porter directs the offense.
3 / 14
See photos from Wisconsin Badgers' WBIT semifinal loss vs Columbia
Wisconsin forward Gift Uchenna drives toward the paint.
4 / 14
See photos from Wisconsin Badgers' WBIT semifinal loss vs Columbia
Wisconsin forward Destiny Howell attempts a shot over Columbia guard Mia Broom.
5 / 14
See photos from Wisconsin Badgers' WBIT semifinal loss vs Columbia
Wisconsin guard Kyrah Daniels looks across the court.
6 / 14
See photos from Wisconsin Badgers' WBIT semifinal loss vs Columbia
Wisconsin center Dorja Zoja is tightly defended by Columbia forward Eriny Erinugha.
7 / 14
See photos from Wisconsin Badgers' WBIT semifinal loss vs Columbia
Wisconsin coach Robin Pingeton instructs her team.
8 / 14
See photos from Wisconsin Badgers' WBIT semifinal loss vs Columbia
Wisconsin center Dorja Zaja looks to pass.
9 / 14
See photos from Wisconsin Badgers' WBIT semifinal loss vs Columbia
Wisconsin guard Laci Steele attempts a shot over Columbia guard Susie Raifu.
10 / 14
See photos from Wisconsin Badgers' WBIT semifinal loss vs Columbia
Wisconsin guard Lily Krahn attempts a shot.
11 / 14
See photos from Wisconsin Badgers' WBIT semifinal loss vs Columbia
Wisconsin guard Destiny Howell defends an inbound pass by guard/forward Perri Page.
12 / 14
See photos from Wisconsin Badgers' WBIT semifinal loss vs Columbia
Wisconsin center Dorja Zaja attempts a free throw.
13 / 14
See photos from Wisconsin Badgers' WBIT semifinal loss vs Columbia
Wisconsin guard Lily Krahn finds an opening in Columbia's defense.
14 / 14
See photos from Wisconsin Badgers' WBIT semifinal loss vs Columbia
Wisconsin coach Robin Pingeton gestures from the sideline.
Monday, April 21 marked the final day the transfer portal was open for women's basketball. On3’s portal track listed the Badgers with three departures: junior guard Breauna Ware and sophomore forwards Alie Bisballe and Jovana Spasovski.
Those losses were offset by the signing of former Hawkeyes Allie Deal, a 2025 McDonald's All-American, and Teagan Mallegni, a McFarland native. Wisconsin also picked up 6-3 forward Kadidia Toure from Long Island.
Getting back Daniels gives UW a player who was arguably its best last season. The 6-foot guard finished second in scoring (12.4 ppg), second in rebounds (5.1 rpg) and second in assists (2.6 apg). She also shot 34.5% from 3-point range, ranking second in 3s made (68) and first in 3-point attempts (197).
Meanwhile, the addition of Elisaldez filled a major need.
Senior Ronnie Porter completed her eligibility, which left the program without a proven point guard. Elisaldez fits that bill.
Elisaldez, who is from Whittier, California, improved her scoring, rebounding and assist averages each season. She averaged 17 points, 5.1 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game this season.
She led the Mocs to a 20-11 record and a share of the regular season conference title. The team qualified for the WBIT and lost to North Dakota State in the first round.
