UNC Women's Basketball program earns commitment from top-25 Class of 2025 prospect

Courtney Banghart and the UNC women's basketball program received very good news on Friday as top-25 ranked Class of 2025 standout Taliyah Henderson has committed to the University of North Carolina.

The five-star wing, ranked No. 21 overall in the Class of 2025 in the latest ESPNW 100 rankings, chose the UNC women's basketball program over top-tier programs such as UConn, USC, Maryland, Tennessee, and Ohio State. She announced her decision at a press conference at Salpointe Catholic High School, where she was an integral part of two state championship teams.

A Tucson, Arizona native, Henderson told Talia Goodman of On3 how her love for North Carolina began at an early age. At the age of 11, Henderson first visited Chapel Hill, a trip that seemed to have made a major impact on her.

“All of the other schools checked boxes, but North Carolina checked all the boxes.”

Looking to major in journalism, the University of North Carolina is a perfect fit for her both on and off the court, as one of the best journalism schools in the country is in Chapel Hill. Additionally, Henderson loved what the UNC women's basketball program offers, especially the strong relationship she's already built with head coach Courtney Banghart.

“We had an instant connection. They made it very clear, very early that they believed in me and wanted me wholeheartedly, and that they were going to do whatever it took. That, in itself, just spoke volumes. You always want a coach or a mentor that believes in you, because they’re going to do whatever it takes for you to succeed.”

Heading into her senior year, Henderson is looking to rehab a knee injury that should sideline her for most of her final high school season. However, the UNC women's basketball program is excited to add a five-star talent to its 2025 recruiting class, as Henderson has the makings of being the next star (both on and off the court) for the program.