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Former Syracuse junior Emily Engstler is transferring to Louisville. Engstler was the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Co-Sixth Player of the Year this season, leading SU in rebounds per game (9.1) and steals. 

The junior guard started in just five of the Orange’s 24 games this season, all of which were during the postseason. She also had the second-most blocks on SU and averaged 10.5 points per game. Head coach Quentin Hillsman called her a versatile athlete who could play almost any position on the court on numerous occasions. 

Engstler entered the transfer portal on Friday and committed to the Cardinals just two days after they lost in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament to Stanford. She scored a season-high 21 points during SU’s ACC Tournament semifinal against Louisville. 

“Emily is one of the top rebounders and shot blockers in the country,” Cardinals head coach Jeff Walz said. “Emily’s versatility, size and strength will be a huge addition to our team. Her passing, basketball IQ and toughness will be contagious.”

Eight other current Syracuse players entered the transfer portal during the past week, including Kiara Lewis, Digna Strautmane, Maeva Djaldi-Tabdi and Amaya Finklea-Guity Engstler is the first to announce a landing spot.  

The Orange will also lose Tiana Mangakahia, who declared for the WNBA draft following the conclusion of SU’s season. In total, the Orange could potentially lose 10 of 15 players from the 2020-21 roster. 

They did, however, add USC transfer Shalexxus Aaron, along with the incoming class of 2021.

Published on April 1, 2021 at 7:17 pm

Contact Roshan: rferna04@syr.edu | @Roshan_f16