TCU Women’s Basketball Secures Big Time Transfer for 2026: What Makes Their Program So Enticing?

Three years ago, the TCU women’s basketball program was in shambles. Head coach Mark Campbell was forced to hold walk-on tryouts to rebuild his program. Now, TCU recently made it to its second Elite Eight in a row. The transfer portal has been a huge help to Campbell and his team, bringing in big-name players from elite teams. What suddenly made TCU so desirable to players in the portal? 

From Walk-on Tryouts to National Title Contenders 

In his first season as TCU head coach, Mark Campbell had to make the impossible decision to hold walk-on tryouts for his basketball team. This decision came after three of his starters fell injured during the season. He also had two freshmen who were injured, so he couldn’t pull them off the bench. The Horned Frogs were forced to forfeit two games because of the lack of available players, and were losing hope. They somehow managed to finish out the season. Then, a miracle for the Frogs; Hailey Van Lith, a guard out of LSU, announced her transfer to the team. She completely transformed the program and led them to their first Elite Eight in TCU history. Upon the graduation of Van Lith, former Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles joined the Frogs. The addition of these players, among others, was the spark that Campbell and his team needed.

Who Is the New TCU Transfer? 

Bella Hines is a sophomore guard out of LSU. She is the second LSU transfer to pick TCU as a new home. In her freshman year at LSU, Hines averaged just over four points per game with 44% efficiency. Since she was playing under Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams, Hines didn’t see the court as much as she would’ve liked. Her career high at LSU was 14 points in a game against Southeastern Louisiana University. Her transfer to TCU will be a good test of her abilities, as they require another guard after Olivia Miles was drafted by the Minnesota Lynx. As a taller guard, Hines’ rebounding abilities will be beneficial for the Frogs. Mark Campbell definitely knows how to recruit talent, and Hines is a reflection of that.

A Program That Attracts Star Players 

TCU head coach Mark Campbell has had a hugely successful career. Prior to being at TCU, Campbell coached at Oregon, landing big players like Sabrina Ionescu, and at Sacramento State. In 2023, he was named the head coach of TCU women’s basketball. Mark Campbell is known for his passion for basketball and his uplifting coaching style. He single-handedly turned the TCU women’s basketball program around. He brings an energy to the team that makes others want to play for him. These are the reasons why TCU was able to acquire players like Hailey Van Lith, Olivia Miles, and now Bella Hines. It takes a passionate coach and a well-run program to do the things TCU is doing in such little time.