The Daily Stampede has learned that freshman guard Makaela Kestner and freshman forward Janeta Rozentale have decided to transfer from the USF women’s basketball program and submitted their names into the transfer portal.

Head coach Jose Fernandez made this statement regarding the transfers:

“They are in the transfer portal and will not be returning to our program for next season. We wish them the best in their future academic and athletic endeavors.”

The Oracle was first to report the story.

Kestner played in 98 minutes over 20 games in the 2018-19 season including one start vs. New Hampshire in November. Her playing time dwindled in conference play as she only eclipsed ten minutes three times, totaling seven points on 2-of-21 shooting, while grabbing eleven rebounds. She came to USF out of Liberty High School in Bealton, Virginia where she left the program as the all-time leading scorer, boys or girls, with over 1,500 career points.

Rozentale played 229 minutes over 20 games this past season including four consecutive starts in December. She totaled 35 points on 11-of-43 shooting (3-of-16 from 3-pt range) along with 40 rebounds, 10 assists, and seven blocks. Her minutes also dwindled in conference play, playing no more than 12 across that schedule. Rozentale came to USF via Dobeles, Latvia where she played for the club team TTT Riga Juniores and played in the Latvian Under-19 and Under-18 National Teams.

Like Jose we wish nothing, but the best for Makaela and Janeta in their athletic and academic careers.

Recruiting Round-Up

As the old adage goes, you can sleep in May. Jose Fernandez and his staff have been hard on the trail since the end of their season in late March, preparing for the regular signing period starting April 17th and concluding May 15th. Sources have told Nathan Bond of the Daily Stampede that the Bulls have received a commitment from wing Kristyna Brabencova from the Czech Republic.

The Herd has grown accustomed to threes raining down in the Yuengling Center, so Kristyna would be a welcome addition. The 5’11 wing is rated a five-star recruit by Blue Star Europe.

Sources also told Nathan that JUCO transfer Bethy Mununga will be visiting campus this weekend. She was named a NJCAA 1st Team All-American while playing for Northeastern A&M out of Miami, Oklahoma. Dubbed a “rebounding machine,” by Jim Ellis of the Miami News-Record she had a double-double in 29 of the 32 games she has played. The sophomore guard-forward originally from Brussels is reportedly considering USF, Florida, Colorado and Wichita State.

Spanish guard Julia Soler is also visiting this weekend, per our sources.

Close Calls

Jose’s squad was also in the running for 2020 Croation point guard Nika Muhl, before she committed to Geno Auriemma and the UConn Huskies. Muhl was also considering Ohio State, Oregon, and Louisville in addition to USF and UConn.

The Bulls have a couple more visits planned in the coming months. If Kitija Laksa chooses to stay on the roster, USF has three scholarships remaining; so it’ll be interesting to see how many signees Jose is willing to bring in and if any of them depend on her decision.