UNC women's basketball to be without Ciera Toomey for their season opener in Paris

Courtney Banghart and the UNC women's basketball program will begin the 2026-2027 season without one of its most important frontcourt pieces.

Senior forward Ciera Toomey will not play in Monday's season opener against No. 21 Oklahoma in Paris, leaving the No. 12-ranked Tar Heels without the 6-foot-4 veteran for their first official game of the season.

At this time, the reason for Toomey's absence has not been announced.

Ciera Toomey won't play against Oklahoma

Toomey's absence is notable for Courtney Banghart's squad, especially against a ranked opponent to start the season.

The senior is expected to play a key role in UNC's frontcourt this season after averaging 8.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game last year. She also established herself as one of the ACC's better rim protectors, recording 53 blocks while averaging 1.5 per game.

Toomey's development earned her some major preseason recognition, as she was recently named to the 20-player preseason watch list for the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Award.

Now, the Tar Heels will have to open their season without her.

Her absence could create additional opportunities for Blanca Thomas and freshman Noelle Bofia in the frontcourt as North Carolina looks to handle Oklahoma's size.

For now, the biggest question is whether Toomey's absence is limited to Monday's season opener or something that could keep her sidelined beyond the trip to France.

North Carolina hasn't provided that answer yet, and they won't have much time before another major test comes their way.

After facing Oklahoma in Paris, North Carolina returns to the United States for a November 8 showdown against No. 1-ranked South Carolina in Charlotte.

Hopefully, Toomey won't be sidelined for long, as UNC needs her to be a healthy presence in the frontcourt.

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