Continuity, transfers and big goals: Key takeaways from Michigan women’s basketball Media Day

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The No. 13 Michigan women’s basketball team is entering the 2025-26 season in a much different place than it was a season ago. There were many unknowns after nine players left or entered the transfer portal.

Last year, the Wolverines had just four returning players, highlighted by guards Jordan Hobbs and Greta Kampschroeder. This season, Michigan nearly matches that number in returning starters with the sophomore trio of guards Olivia Olson, Syla Swords, and Mila Holloway coming back. In addition, the Wolverines have leaders who understand the program in senior forward Alyssa Crockett and junior guard Macy Brown.

Michigan added two more transfers and three freshmen this offseason to build on the already solid foundation from a season ago. The Wolverines finished 22nd nationally per Bart Torvik, and are projected 11th in this year’s preseason rankings — 16th on offense and 14th on defense.

Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico echoed the excitement of having one player transfer and two graduate, with everyone else coming back.

“Going into the year, there seems like there’s a lot of buzz,” Barnes Arico said Tuesday at Michigan Media Day. “We have three starters returning from last year. Coming into the season (last year), there was a lot of unknown. We only had four players returning in the entire program. So this year, it is a little bit different. … They have worked incredibly hard in the offseason.”

With the consistency in place and buzz around the program, here are some key takeaways and things to look out for ahead of the 2025-26 season for the Michigan women’s basketball team:

Olson, Swords and Holloway are just getting started

Entering last season with one of the top recruiting classes in the nation, the freshmen didn’t disappoint. Olson received Co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors from the coaches and was named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team and the All-Big Ten Second Team. Swords added to that, earning a spot on the All-Big Ten Freshman and Second Team while also representing Michigan on the All-Big Ten Tournament Team. Finally, Holloway added All-Big Ten honorable mention honors.

This season, the trio is back as returning starters, and expectations have risen. Barnes Arico is looking for them to take on a significant leadership role, even as sophomores. And although much attention was given to Olson and Swords after last season, the trio together forms the foundation of this roster.

“Even at (Big Ten Media Days), Big Ten Network was talking to Syla and Olivia, and they asked about Mila, and I think Syla turned around and said, ‘it just doesn’t feel right, us being here without (Holloway),” Barnes Arico said. “When you talk about leadership, and when you talk about who we are as a program, they don’t feel like they are who they are without Mila Holloway. And they know that 100%.”

Last season, Olson led the team in points, Swords led the team in rebounds, and Holloway led the team in assists. As the new season progresses, the combination of their individual skill sets is needed for the Wolverines to be successful.

Olson worked over the summer to strengthen her all-around game. And part of that added chemistry and leadership came over the summer, when Holloway and Swords both played for Team Canada at the U19 World Cup in Czechia. Holloway was quick to emphasize just how vital Swords was to her adjustment process.

“She kind of lights up every room she steps in,” Holloway said. “It was just great when you’re on the floor with Syla, you have someone who you can depend on. You can look to Syla for anything. She guards the opposing team’s best player. She’s going to knock down every shot. She’s going to get in and get the defensive boards, loose balls, everything. So just having her on the floor with you just makes everything easier.”