Star Guard’s Decision Ends Speculation

In a major boost to their women’s basketball program, the North Carolina Tar Heels have landed a commitment from one of the top recruits in the 2026 class. Kate Harpring, a five-star guard from Marist School in Georgia, announced her decision to join the Tar Heels on Saturday afternoon.

“The last couple of weeks I’ve been thinking about a lot of schools, and I just trusted my gut. UNC is the school I had the best feeling about. I’m really excited to be committed,” said Harpring.

A top target for Iowa, Harpring took an official visit to Iowa City in early February, witnessing the Hawkeyes upset then-No. 4 USC and the jersey retirement ceremony for Caitlin Clark. However, it was the allure of Carolina Blue that ultimately won her over.

UNC Scores Big with Harpring’s Commitment

Averaging 32.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 5.1 steals, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game in her senior year, Harpring guided Marist to the Georgia Class 4A state semifinals. She was named the Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year and Overtime Select MVP in 2024. Internationally, Harpring helped the USA under-19 team to a gold medal at the FIBA U19 World Cup, averaging 8.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.

• ESPN Ranking: No. 4 nationally in the 2026 class
• 247Sports Ranking: Nation’s No. 1 player in 2026

Harpring’s Impact and UNC’s Future

Harpring, the daughter of former NBA player and three-time ACC All-Star Matt Harpring, believes she can help UNC win big. “One of the big things for me was winning,” she said. “I feel like we can have a great year and great years going forward. The program is on the up. Coach Banghart does a great job figuring out how to win… I think we can win championships.”

Iowa’s Recruiting Landscape Shifts

Despite losing out on Harpring, Iowa remains in the hunt for other top recruits. The Hawkeyes are among the final four schools for five-star wing McKenna Woliczko, among the final 15 for five-star wing Addison Bjorn, and within the final five for in-state five-star guard Jenica Lewis. Iowa has already set official visits with Woliczko in late August and Lewis in October.

Did you know?

Kate Harpring’s father, Matt Harpring, played 11 seasons in the NBA and was a three-time first-team All-ACC selection at Georgia Tech.