Penn women’s basketball is filling out its roster.
After losing six players, including two starters, mostly to the transfer portal and graduation, the Quakers look to bounce back with some new additions of their own.
5-foot-11 junior forward Candice Lienafa joins the program from Davidson College, which went 21-12 on the season and 12-6 in the Atlantic 10 conference. The Wildcats ended their season at the Atlantic 10 tournament semifinals, falling to Rhode Island 55-46.
Lienafa was a key sixth man on the Wildcats’ lineup last season, earning minutes in every game. She averaged 4.8 points and 2.9 rebounds per game while shooting 37.6% from the field and 70.2% from the stripe.
The Quebec native has been consistent on the court. She was named the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie team after scoring 236 points during the 2024-25 season. Lienafa will prove to be an asset at the three this season as the Quakers look to rebuild the wing.
“Candice is a high-energy, highly competitive player with a relentless motor,” coach Mike McLaughlin said in a press release. “She gives 100 percent on every possession, and that competitive spirit will make a tremendous impact on our program.”
The other addition to the program, 5-foot-6 sophomore guard Christina Pham, hails from Fairfield University. The Stags went 28-5 during the 2025-26 season, which featured a 75-63 victory over 2025 Big 5 champion Villanova in the season opener.
Fairfield readily claimed their third straight MAAC regular season title with a 19-1 conference record. The Stags completed their three-peat after taking the MAAC tournament title in a 51-44 victory over Quinnipiac.
RELATED:
Sarah Miller of Penn women’s basketball will transfer to UC Irvine
‘What else am I than a basketball player?’: Simone Sawyer reflects on her athletic journey
Pham appeared in 28 games for the Stags, making one start. She averaged 5.1 points per game while shooting 36.6% from the field and 37.5% from the deep.
The 2024-25 Gatorade Massachusetts Player of the Year will be a force on the Quakers’ lineup, following in 2026 College graduates and guards Simone Sawyer and Saniah Caldwell’s footsteps.
“She has a great feel for the game, competes hard on every possession, and brings a consistent toughness that we value,” McLaughlin said to Penn Athletics. “Her ability to play both on and off the ball gives us versatility in our system, and we’re really excited to have her as part of our program.”
The Quakers missed the Ivy Madness tournament for the first time in four years at the end of last year’s season, ultimately finishing 7-7 in conference play for fifth in the Ancient Eight. Although the Red and Blue retain All-Ivy selections senior guard Mataya Gayle and junior forward Katie Collins, fans can expect to see some shake-ups in the starting lineup this fall.
