The UNC women’s basketball program has landed another transfer portal commitment, as former UCLA Bruin Elina Aarnisalo is set to become a Tar Heel….

UNC Women’s Basketball Lands Major Transfer in Former UCLA Guard Elina Aarnisalo

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In what’s shaping up to be a transformative offseason for the North Carolina Tar Heels, head coach Courtney Banghart and her staff have secured yet another pivotal piece for the 2025 campaign. The UNC women’s basketball program has officially added Finnish international and former UCLA guard Elina Aarnisalo from the transfer portal, marking a strategic and exciting addition to their already promising roster.

 

Aarnisalo’s commitment underscores the Tar Heels’ aggressive and intentional approach in the portal, aiming to rebuild and elevate their team after a season filled with highs and lows. With Aarnisalo now on board, the Tar Heels not only gain a guard with international flair and Division I experience but also inject new energy and depth into a backcourt that has seen significant turnover in recent months.

 

 

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Who Is Elina Aarnisalo?

 

Elina Aarnisalo isn’t your average college basketball player. Hailing from Helsinki, Finland, the 5-foot-9 guard arrived at UCLA as one of the most promising international prospects in recent memory. Before joining the Bruins, Aarnisalo showcased her elite basketball IQ and scoring prowess on the European circuit, particularly during her appearances with the Finnish national youth teams.

 

Known for her court vision, precision passing, and perimeter shooting, Aarnisalo was regarded as a future cornerstone for whichever program could harness her talents. Though she had limited playing time at UCLA due to the Bruins’ deep backcourt rotation and a challenging transition period, her skillset was never in question.

 

Now, with a fresh start at UNC, the Finnish star is poised to make the leap many predicted when she first touched down in the NCAA.

 

 

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Why Aarnisalo’s Transfer Matters

 

The move couldn’t have come at a more crucial time for North Carolina.

 

Last season, the Tar Heels battled inconsistency and injuries, finishing in the middle of the ACC pack and failing to make a deep postseason run. Despite having key talent like Deja Kelly and Alyssa Ustby, the team struggled to find reliable scoring options and playmakers off the bench, particularly at the guard position.

 

Elina Aarnisalo addresses that gap in multiple ways:

 

1. Backcourt Stability: With Kelly exploring professional opportunities and other guards either transferring out or entering upperclassman territory, Aarnisalo brings not just depth but also potential leadership. She has experience playing in high-pressure environments and can fill in both the point guard and shooting guard roles.

 

2. International Versatility: Her European training brings a different style of play to the team. Aarnisalo is adept at reading defenses, facilitating ball movement, and stretching the floor — exactly the kind of qualities Banghart has emphasized in her offensive system.

 

 

3. Long-Term Impact: With multiple years of eligibility remaining, Aarnisalo represents more than just a short-term solution. She could very well become a foundational player around whom the Tar Heels build their next generation.

 

 

 

 

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Banghart’s Vision for the Tar Heels

 

Head coach Courtney Banghart has never shied away from bold moves. Since taking the reins in 2019, she’s prioritized player development, strategic recruiting, and — increasingly — using the transfer portal to bolster the roster. Her Ivy League success at Princeton translated quickly to Chapel Hill, as the Tar Heels made several NCAA Tournament appearances under her leadership.

 

This offseason, Banghart has made it clear: the goal is not just to compete — it’s to contend.

 

“Elina is a gifted basketball player with a competitive spirit that matches our program’s ambition,” Banghart said in a statement following the announcement. “Her background, both internationally and in the Pac-12, will be invaluable as we look to take another step forward. She fits our culture, our style, and our vision for the future.”

 

It’s no secret that the ACC has become one of the most competitive conferences in women’s college basketball. Programs like Virginia Tech, NC State, Louisville, and Notre Dame are not just strong — they’re elite. To climb back into national prominence, UNC needs players who can handle the rigors of that competition. Aarnisalo, it appears, is just that type of player.

 

 

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What Aarnisalo Brings On the Court

 

Though her stats at UCLA may not immediately pop off the page, context is crucial. Aarnisalo was a freshman in a crowded and veteran-laden roster, fighting for minutes behind All-American caliber players. Even in limited opportunities, she demonstrated flashes of her talent — knocking down threes with confidence, running the offense in spurts, and showcasing her ability to adapt quickly.

 

At UNC, the expectation is that her role will expand significantly. She’ll likely be called upon to:

 

Initiate offense and relieve pressure from the point

 

Serve as a floor spacer and consistent outside shooter

 

Lead fast breaks and push tempo

 

Defend opposing guards with her agility and instincts

 

 

Most importantly, Aarnisalo brings the kind of basketball mind that Banghart loves to coach. She’s cerebral, detail-oriented, and embraces the grind — qualities that make for great Tar Heels.

 

 

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Reactions and Ripple Effects

 

Social media buzzed with excitement following Aarnisalo’s announcement. UNC fans, always passionate and vocal, were quick to celebrate the acquisition as a major win. Former players and analysts alike praised the move as a savvy, forward-thinking decision by the coaching staff.

 

Moreover, her commitment may signal the beginning of a wave of international recruiting for the Tar Heels. With European players increasingly making their mark in NCAA women’s basketball, Banghart and her team could be positioning UNC as a destination for global talent.

 

The move also puts pressure on other ACC programs who are eyeing similar talent in the portal. With rosters changing faster than ever before, staying ahead in the transfer game has become critical — and UNC just proved they’re not lagging behind.

 

 

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The Road Ahead

 

With summer workouts approaching and the 2025 season creeping closer, Aarnisalo will have the opportunity to integrate herself fully into the Tar Heel system. She’ll bond with her new teammates, familiarize herself with Banghart’s playbook, and prepare for a breakout season under the Carolina blue spotlight.

 

Her journey — from Finland to Los Angeles to Chapel Hill — is as inspiring as it is impressive. And now, in this new chapter, Elina Aarnisalo has the stage she deserves.

 

For North Carolina, this isn’t just another portal pickup. This is a signal of intent. The Tar Heels are building something — and Elina Aarnisalo is ready to be a part of it.

 

 

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Final Thoughts

 

In the ever-evolving world of college athletics, where NIL, transfers, and instant impact players dominate the headlines, UNC’s acquisition of Elina Aarnisalo stands out. It’s not just about talent — it’s about fit, future, and focus.

 

The Tar Heels just got better. And Elina Aarnisalo just found a home where she can shine.

 

Stay tuned for more updates on the Tar Heels’ offseason moves, player interviews, and insider analysis as the 2025 season approaches.