The Texas women’s basketball program is adding some serious international flavor to its roster, officially announcing the signing of Australian guard Jayda Clark on Wednesday. This isn’t just another recruit; Clark, at 21 years old, brings a professional background from the WNBL straight to Austin, and she’ll be eligible to compete for the Longhorns during the 2026-27 season.
This 21-Year-Old Pro Is Ready to Score
Clark has never played collegiate basketball before, but that’s not stopping her from adding a veteran presence to the Longhorns. How many freshmen are on this Texas roster? Five. That’s a lot of fresh faces, so a 21-year-old pro is exactly what they need. She’s been playing professionally in Australia, and the numbers speak for themselves. According to UT, Clark dropped an insane 36 points and sank eight 3-pointers in her last WNBL game. That’s not just “playing well,” that’s lighting up the scoreboard!
Texas coach Vic Schaefer is clearly pumped about this pick-up. He said, “We are thrilled to add such a great young lady and her family as well as a tremendous player to our program.” He highlighted her two years in the WNBL Professional League and that “great season this year having scored 36 points in her last game.” Schaefer believes Clark will “bring experience and the ability to score the basketball at all three levels,” calling her “a veteran player with size and strength at the guard position being able to play multiple positions.” Sounds like a full package, right?
Why Clark Is Exactly What Texas Needs Right Now
Look, the Longhorns’ backcourt needed a shot in the arm. With Rori Harmon graduating and Jordan Lee and Aaliyah Crump making offseason defections, things were looking thin. Junior Bryanna Preston is back, which is great, but Clark is joining a crucial mix of talent. She’ll be competing for playing time alongside freshmen Addison Bjorn, Amalia Holguin, and Lizzy Spaight, plus Oklahoma transfer Zya Vann. That’s a serious battle for minutes, but Clark’s pro experience should give her a leg up.
Clark herself is hyped to join the team. She said, “I’m super excited to be joining Texas. They’re a very successful program with an elite coaching staff and elite players. I’m looking forward to learning and getting better everyday.” That’s the kind of attitude you want from a player coming into a new system, especially one with her experience.
Longhorns Are Building a Global Squad
If you thought Clark was the only international flavor, think again. Texas is putting together a truly global roster. Forward Jada Bediako represents Canada, guard Grace Prenter hails from Ireland, center Lovisa Asbrink Hose comes from Sweden, and forward Isi Etute is from Luxembourg. Prenter was recruited directly from Ireland in summer 2025, while Asbrink Hose, Bediako, and Etute all played at schools in the United States before making their way to Austin.
This team is going to be a force, bringing diverse styles and experiences together. Clark’s addition is a huge piece of that puzzle, especially with her immediate impact potential. Get ready for an exciting 2026-27 season when this squad hits the court.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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