The Belmont University women’s basketball program announced on May 6 the addition of three transfer players—Katie Criswell, Kenley McCarn, and Lauren Rust—for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Head coach Bart Brooks said the trio brings significant NCAA Division I experience to the team as they join this summer.
The announcement is important for Belmont as it seeks to strengthen its roster with experienced athletes. The new additions are expected to contribute both on and off the court, complementing returning players and incoming freshmen.
Criswell, a graduate transfer from North Alabama, has made 80 starts in her collegiate career and averaged over eight points per game in recent seasons. “Katie is an elite athlete who can impact the game on both sides of the ball,” commented coach Brooks. “Her instincts as a three-level scorer will complement our system beautifully, and Belmont fans will love how hard she competes to help her team win. Katie has shown over her career that she’s not only an elite player but also an exceptional teammate who values selflessness and integrity as she competes.” Criswell will enroll in Belmont’s Master of Business Administration program after graduating from North Alabama.
McCarn arrives from UT Martin with more than 1,500 points scored during her four-year college career. She was recently named UT Martin’s Colonel William R. Kaler Academic Achievement Award winner and is a two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference First Team performer. “Kenley is an ultra-competitive guard who has the ability to score in a variety of ways,” spoke coach Brooks. “She has been an extremely productive college player, and we are very excited to have her join our Belmont family.” McCarn plans to pursue her MBA at Belmont after completing her undergraduate degree in accounting and finance.
Rust transfers from Pittsburgh after averaging over five points and six rebounds per game last season for the Panthers. She previously attended The Webb School in Tennessee where she helped lead her high school team to a state championship before earning recognition at national tournaments in Canada. “We are thrilled to add Lauren to our Belmont family,” said coach Brooks. “She is an incredible teammate who has a tireless work ethic… Her size and versatility will allow her to thrive in our system, and our fans will love how hard she competes!”
Coach Brooks concluded by saying: “We are beyond excited to welcome Katie, Kenley and Lauren to our program and we can’t wait for them to represent Belmont as we compete next season.” Alongside these transfers, newcomers Tayli Dimarco, Samiya Jones, Chelby Jordan—and several returning players—will round out next year’s roster.
