UNC fans are shocked once again as another starting guard is heading to the portal

At the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season, the UNC women's basketball program's backcourt depth was something every Tar Heel fan was excited to see once again next fall.

Featuring a roster of underclassmen, the Tar Heels were projected to return nearly everyone from last year's squad. The strength of the potential returners focused on the backcourt, especially rising juniors Lanie Grant and Elina Aarnisalo.

Grant stunned Chapel Hill with her decision to enter the transfer portal, one that literally no one saw coming. While Grant's departure still stings, it got worse on Wednesday morning when news surfaced that Aarnisalo was set to follow suit.

Elina Aarnisalo enters the transfer portal

Talia Goodman was the first to report the news, mentioning that Aarnisalo entered her name with a "do not contact" tag.

After starting her career at UCLA, Aarnisalo elected to transfer to North Carolina, a move that paid off for both sides. Aarnisalo became a full-time starter, serving as the only Tar Heel to post multiple 20+ point outings during the 2025-2026 season.

A crafty guard, Aarnisalo averaged 10.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game in what now appears to be her lone season as a Tar Heel.

Could a return to UCLA be on the horizon for Aarnisalo? Based on her "do not contact" tag, you'd have to expect that she knows where her next destination will be.

Regardless, it creates another void for Courtney Banghart and her staff to fill this offseason, as the team's perceived strength heading into next season now features a few question marks as the transfer portal is fully underway.

With Aarnisalo's announcement, the UNC women's basketball program has three players currently in the portal. Along with Grant and Aarnisalo, freshman forward Taliyah Henderson is also exploring her options in the transfer portal.

While the losses sting, don't worry- Banghart and her staff are working to fill the voids!