Utah women’s basketball head coach Gavin Petersen announced on May 1 the addition of four new players transferring to the program for the 2026-27 season: Laia Conesa, Lena Girardi, Filipa Barros, and Olivia Bradley.
The announcement is significant as it highlights Utah’s efforts to strengthen its roster with experienced athletes from other collegiate programs. The incoming players bring a variety of skills and experience levels that are expected to contribute immediately.
Lena Girardi joins Utah after her freshman year at Oklahoma State, where she played in 28 games and averaged nearly eight points per game. Petersen said about Girardi: “Lena brings great size and a very strong skill set at the guard spot for us, and she can light it up from 3. What we love the most about her is how ultra-competitive she is and passionate she is about winning. She’s so outgoing and personable which allowed us to make a strong connection with her and her family. She will make an immediate impact in all facets of our program, and we are ecstatic to welcome her to the Utah Family.”
Laia Conesa arrives after three seasons at Kansas, where she averaged over four points per game while providing defensive energy. Petersen said: “With Laia, we gain a valuable guard with 3 years of Big 12 experience. Her skill set allows her to play multiple positions in our system.. She has a great feel for the game and is a disciplined decision maker. Her tenacity on defense is going to bring a contagious energy to our team. We are looking forward to welcoming Laia to Salt Lake City!”
Filipa Barros comes from California Baptist University as an experienced point guard who averaged more than ten points per game over four seasons. Petersen described Barros as follows: “Fi is an Elite point-guard with championship experience…she’s a WINNER. She is so versatile at the PG position as a sharp shooter from 3, playmaker, and great rebounder from the PG position. These are all major reasons we wanted Fi at Utah… She will push the pace for us and have incredible energy on both ends of the floor. We can’t wait for her to impact us immediately.” Olivia Bradley transfers after three seasons at UC Santa Barbara; last season she averaged over thirteen points per game along with nearly six rebounds per contest.
Petersen also commented on Bradley’s potential contribution: “Olivia will bring a high motor, a versatile skill set and valuable experience to our program. She plays with a relentless mentality and never takes plays off… We appreciate her passion for the game and are excited to have two years with her.”
